Design of the Week: 400KHM Speed Drone

By on March 31st, 2025 in Design, news

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High speed 3D printed drone [Source: Cults]

This week’s selection is the 400kph drone by Cults contributor DAVE_C_FPV.

Drones are a popular area of activity for 3D printer operators. Many people design their own drones and can produce the necessary parts using 3D printers. The technology is particularly useful to make parts that have unusual geometries to lower weight and increase strength.

Among the countless drone designs available online, there is one that is a bit different from the rest. The “400KMH SPEED DRONE” is a rocket-like design that can literally reach the incredible flight speed of 400km/hr (250mph).

3D printed drone CAD view [Source: Cults]

The project includes files for most of the structural components of the drone, although you will need a carbon fiber subframe, as they explain:

“This build requires a CNC-cut carbon subframe for structural integrity. Please use the .dxf to get it cut from 6mm carbon plated.”

Of course, you will also need the motor, batteries, electronics, radio, etc., as one would expect in a drone.

The remaining parts can be 3D printed in “basic PLA”, which is surprising given the extreme nature of this drone. You can certainly print the parts in other suitable materials, such as ULTEM, if you have access to machines that can use them.

3D printed drone flight view with speed at the bottom [Source: Cults]

Does this drone actually fly that fast? DAVE_C_FPV posted a short video taken in flight, and as you can see, the drone actually exceeded 400kph and reached an incredible 416kph. In the video, the acceleration was ridiculously, achieving that speed in only seconds.

This is certainly an incredible project, but there is a caution:

“This is an advanced FPV build and not recommended for beginners. Flying a drone this fast requires some experience, but if you’re up for the challenge, it’s an absolute blast!”

That’s absolutely true: a 400kph projectile can be extraordinarily dangerous. Be careful with this one!

Via Cults

By Kerry Stevenson

Kerry Stevenson, aka "General Fabb" has written over 8,000 stories on 3D printing at Fabbaloo since he launched the venture in 2007, with an intention to promote and grow the incredible technology of 3D printing across the world. So far, it seems to be working!