– Waterproof, IP67-rated design with water-repellent coating and radar-assisted takeoff/landing for safe operation on water.
– Lightweight (249 g) and capable of 4K video up to 60/100 fps with a 12 MP stills sensor, plus 23-minute flight time.
– Dual positioning and tracking: RTK-based subject tracking plus mmWave radar for wave height awareness; uses real-time kinematics for precise distance from subject; can operate with included controller without a smartphone.
HoverAir Aqua: A Water-Dording Drone That Dares to Soak the Limits
We have already covered the HoverAir Aqua several times on Notebookcheck, and this intriguing drone is finally available on the official website. Shipping is expected to begin as early as next week. The standard package is priced at $1,299 / €1,299 / £1,129. While the company also offers a $1,699 / €1,699 / £1,499 bundle that includes various accessories like joysticks and additional batteries, those who only need extra batteries may want to consider the $1,499 / €1,499 / £1,299 bundle instead.
Waterproof Design and Safer Takeoffs
The HoverAir Aqua is designed for use on water. While conventional Quadcopters, such as those from DJI, can certainly fly above water, they aren’t waterproof and thus cannot land or float on it. The HoverAir Aqua reportedly meets IP67 standards and features a water-repellent coating. According to the company, the built-in mmWave radar can detect wave height, making takeoff and landing safer. The drone relies not only on visual detection but also on real-time kinematics (RTK) for tracking, enabling it to maintain a very precise distance from the subject. It can be operated using the pack-in controller, meaning a smartphone isn’t required.
Performance Metrics and Camera Capabilities
The HoverAir Aqua boasts a maximum horizontal speed of 55 km/h (34 mph) and a flight time of up to 23 minutes. The integrated 1/1.28-inch CMOS sensor can capture still images at 12 MP (4,000 × 3,000 pixels) and video at up to 4K (3,840 × 2,160 pixels) and 100 fps. Notably, the device weighs just 249 g, which should make it easier to operate legally in various countries.
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