HoverAir Aqua is out now: The waterproof drone that goes where DJI won't

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.

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.

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.