The milestone was reached during a straight and level test flight by the company’s specialized N3XT prototyping department using its "Apex Recordhunter" platform, the company announced.
Developed over the course of the past year, the experimental aircraft serves as a technology demonstrator. Quantum Systems plans to leverage data from the project to refine advanced propulsion systems, aerodynamics, and flight control software for future uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) and air defense interceptors designed to counter airborne threats.
"For more than a year, this project meant early mornings, late nights, setbacks, breakthroughs, sacrifices, and an unwavering belief that we could push the limits of what's possible," Robert Gardemin, senior prototyping engineer at the N3XT Department, said in a statement. Gardemin added that the team intends to conduct further testing to officially certify higher speed records.
The high-speed aviation program is increasingly expanding into operational testing environments. WIY Drones, a Ukraine-based subsidiary of Quantum Systems Group, is currently preparing to mount two national speed record attempts during upcoming field trials.
The first trial will involve the "STRILA" interceptor, which aims to set a record for the fastest first-person view (FPV) counter-drone platform carrying a 0.5-kilogram (1.1-pound) payload. The second test will deploy the "SPYS" platform, designed to establish a benchmark speed for anti-aircraft-class FPV interceptors.
The push toward ultra-high-speed drones comes amid surging global military demand for low-cost, rapid-response interceptors capable of neutralizing loitering munitions and reconnaissance drones on the modern battlefield.
"Super proud of the Quantum Systems team, showing our engineering ambition across our Group and reinforcing our commitment to developing world-leading technologies," Florian Seibel, co-chief executive officer and founder of Quantum Systems, said.