HoverAir Aqua drone raises $1.4M, heads to mass production

HoverAir’s latest innovation, the Aqua drone, has made a huge splash — literally and figuratively. The waterproof flying camera, designed for effortless water takeoff and landing, has now raised more than $1.4 million through crowdfunding, marking one of the most successful launches in the company’s history. With this milestone, HoverAir confirmed that Aqua will enter mass production in Q4 2025, with customer shipments scheduled for December 2025.

For backers in the United States, there’s even better news: HoverAir will cover all customs fees on Aqua shipments, ensuring a smooth delivery experience. International backers, however, are encouraged to review their country’s customs regulations and prepare any necessary paperwork to avoid delays, since local import fees will remain their responsibility.

HoverAir’s Aqua builds on the foundation laid by its previous successful models — the $299 X1 hands-free Follow-Me drone, the $499 X1 Pro “Action Flying Camera”, and the $699 X1 Pro Max. Each introduced incremental upgrades: the original X1 offered compact, palm-sized flight, while the X1 Pro brought 4K/60fps video, improved durability, and advanced tracking. The Pro Max went further with 8K/30fps shooting, a high-dynamic-range lens, and robust autonomous flight features. By emphasizing both innovation and reliability, these models set the stage for Aqua’s entry into more extreme, water-centric environments.

What makes HoverAir Aqua different

Launched at a starting price of $999 for the single-battery bundle, Aqua has carved out a unique niche. While most consumer drones shy away from water, Aqua is built for it. It’s fully waterproof, floats naturally, and is capable of direct water takeoffs and landings — a first for a lightweight, consumer-ready flying camera. The company says users won’t need to worry about splashes, waves, or wet landings, making it especially appealing for surfers, kayakers, swimmers, and adventurers who spend more time on the water than on land.

Unlike traditional action cameras that rely on mounts, straps, or handheld rigs, Aqua aims to eliminate bulk and inconvenience. With its Lighthouse wearable controller, users can fly completely hands-free — no phone or remote required. The wearable keeps Aqua locked onto the subject, even when the user dips behind waves or drifts out of sight.

When not flying, it doubles as a buoyant, waterproof action camera that floats beside you. And while most action cams only offer digital stabilization, Aqua features mechanical gimbal stabilization for cinematic smoothness.

That’s not all. HoverAir’s design philosophy with Aqua blends convenience with capability. At just under 250 grams, the drone neatly avoids additional registration requirements in most regions, including the United States. This makes it easier for recreational users to travel with, operate, and enjoy without added regulatory hurdles.

On the technical side, Aqua offers:

• 4K video at 100fps and 12MP HDR photos for sharp, detailed imagery.
• Up to 23 minutes of flight time per charge.
• A wind resistance rating of 7, meaning it can withstand gusts of up to 33 knots — enough for open water flights in tough conditions.
• Maximum tracking speed of 34 mph (55 km/h), keeping up with fast-moving sports like surfing and jet skiing.
• Millimeter-wave radar technology, which helps the drone maintain stability over reflective or splashy water surfaces where many drones struggle.
• A maximum altitude of 5,500m (18,000 ft) and a transmission range of up to 1 km when paired with the Lighthouse.

These specs place Aqua at the crossroads of drones and action cameras, blending the best of both categories into a product designed for water sports, adventure content, and casual creators who don’t want to compromise between convenience and capability.

One of Aqua’s standout design choices is its non-foldable frame. While most consumer drones today emphasize portability through foldable arms, HoverAir deliberately avoided that route. The reason: waterproofing. A foldable design could create weak points prone to leaks or structural issues, which would compromise the drone’s reliability on water. By staying non-foldable, Aqua gains extra durability, stability, and the ability to perform unique maneuvers like the “Turtle Flip” if it capsizes.

Despite its advanced technology, HoverAir stresses that Aqua is beginner-friendly. With the Lighthouse, users can launch and land the drone with a single button press. Automatic tracking ensures that even those with no piloting experience can capture professional-looking footage on the first try.

Aqua’s lens is also treated with a hydrophobic coating, preventing water droplets from sticking and distorting images. While it isn’t designed for underwater use, the lens can tilt downward by 90 degrees to film below the surface while floating.

That said, there are limitations: Aqua does not feature obstacle detection, so HoverAir advises against flying it in tight environments like forests or caves. Its sweet spot is open water — oceans, lakes, and wide rivers — where its GPS and RTK positioning can shine.

Meanwhile, the $1.4 million milestone demonstrates not only strong demand for specialized drones but also growing consumer appetite for devices that break from the standard mold of action cameras and quadcopters. HoverAir has long been known for pushing boundaries with lightweight, user-friendly drones, but Aqua signals a new direction: embracing environments that most drone makers avoid.

With mass production on the horizon, HoverAir now faces the critical phase of scaling manufacturing while meeting quality expectations. If deliveries in December 2025 go smoothly, Aqua could become a staple for creators seeking new ways to capture life on the water.

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