# Quantum Systems says electric drone prototype reached 419.5 knots

_Published Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 1:54 AM EDT · Science, Robotics · Latest · Tier 2 — Notable_

![Apex Recordhunter taking off — Primary](https://assets.newatlas.com/dims4/default/3a45f79/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1280x672+0+91/resize/1200x630!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewatlas-brightspot.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com%2F13%2F31%2F818259fa4526ab1e70ea431a4cba%2F1792481283216.jpeg&na.image_optimisation=0)

Quantum Systems says its experimental Apex Recordhunter drone reached 419.5 knots on battery power alone during a test supporting its development of high-speed interceptor drones. Company chief revenue officer Martin Karkour announced the flight in a social media post.

The test gathered data on heating, airflow and electrical performance. Its reported speed exceeded the around 270-knot cruise speed of Russia's jet-propelled Shahed/Geran drones.

The flight does not qualify as an official speed record. Quantum Systems acknowledges that it flew only one leg; international rules require two consecutive flights in opposite directions over a measured course within a specified time limit.

## Sources

- [New Atlas: Technology-Innovation-Outdoor News](https://newatlas.com/military/quantum-systems-electric-drone-unofficial-speed-record/)

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Canonical: https://techandbusiness.org/newswire/BE3B4A2TGqcTLSuoelonKi
Published: 2026-10-21T05:54:30.007Z
Story chronology: 2026-10-21T04:17:00.000Z
Retrieved: 2026-10-25T06:20:33.226Z
Publisher: Tech & Business (techandbusiness.org)