HoverAir has set a date for its most ambitious drone yet. The company has confirmed that the HoverAir Aqua, a fully waterproof, self-flying camera drone, will launch via an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign on Thursday, August 21, at 9 a.m. PDT (noon EDT).
Update: Waterproof, hands-free HoverAir Aqua drone launches at $999
The move mirrors HoverAir’s successful strategy with its earlier drones — the X1, X1 Pro, and X1 Pro Max — all of which debuted on a crowdfunding platform before hitting the consumer market through popular resellers like Amazon. Those campaigns not only built early buzz but also gave early backers exclusive discounts and perks. HoverAir appears ready to repeat that formula with Aqua, a drone that’s already generating attention for its unique amphibious abilities.
The HoverAir Aqua is being billed as the first self-flying camera designed specifically for water environments. Thanks to 15+ waterproofing technologies, Aqua can take off and land directly on water, whether it’s a lake, pool, or the open ocean.
New: This DJI drone can take off, land from moving ships
Like HoverAir’s earlier drones, Aqua is hands-free — it can frame, follow, and orbit around you without needing manual piloting. The idea is to give creators, travelers, and adventure seekers a camera crew in the air, even in places where flying a drone has traditionally been too risky.
At under 249 grams, the Aqua is lightweight enough that recreational users in the US don’t need FAA registration. This makes it particularly appealing to casual drone flyers and first-time owners who want advanced features without the extra paperwork.
Despite its tiny frame, Aqua isn’t cutting corners. It’s designed to withstand wind and water while delivering pro-grade video quality. Here’s what HoverAir has shared ahead of launch:
- 100% Waterproof: Built with 15+ waterproofing adaptations for true amphibious takeoff and landing.
- Ultra-Lightweight: Less than 249g, staying below FAA registration requirements for recreational flyers.
- High-Quality Imaging: 4K video at up to 100 fps, powered by a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor and a custom lens optimized for water shots.
- Wind Resistant: Level 7 wind resistance, capable of handling gusts up to 33 knots (38 mph).
- Adventure-Ready Speed: Top speed of 55 km/h (34 mph) for action-packed scenarios.
- Hands-Free AI Flying: Launch, track, and orbit without manual piloting.
HoverAir’s choice to launch Aqua on Indiegogo isn’t surprising. The original X1 in 2023, followed by the X1 Pro and Pro Max in 2024, and the V-shaped bi-copter Falcon Mini earlier this year, all used the crowdfunding platform to engage early adopters. With the new Aqua drone, HoverAir is aiming for the same recipe: a community-driven launch that builds excitement while ensuring exclusive benefits for early backers.
More: This drone now shoots spirals, tracks smarter, obeys mid-flight commands
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Comments