HOVERAir AQUA
Zero Zero Robotics · China · also known as AQUA · Updated
HOVERAir AQUA is a waterproof, self-flying camera drone made by Zero Zero Robotics of China, launched on 21 August 2025 as the first model in the HOVERAir line built to take off from and land directly on water. It weighs under 249 g, carries an IP67 waterproofing rating, and is aimed at surfers, paddlers and other water-sports users who want hands-free aerial and action video.
Overview
AQUA extends Zero Zero Robotics' HOVERAir series of pocket-sized, autonomous "self-flying" cameras, which the company has sold since 2023 under the HOVERAir X1 name. Where the X1 family targets general vlogging and travel use, AQUA is purpose-built for water environments: Zero Zero designed it with neutral buoyancy so it can launch from and recover onto the surface of water, and gave it a self-heating, hydrophobic, anti-fog lens intended to keep the camera clear in spray and mist.
In the United States, AQUA's launch has been complicated by the FCC's December 2025 expansion of its "Covered List" rules, which block new equipment authorizations for foreign-made drones going forward. As of early 2026, AQUA did not appear in the FCC's database of approved devices, and HOVERAir said it had paused taking new orders for US shipping addresses while it explored compliance options; the company's earlier, already-certified HOVERAir X1 models were unaffected. Sales outside the United States were not subject to this restriction.
Design and capabilities
AQUA weighs under 249 g, keeping it below the threshold that requires FAA recreational registration in the United States. It records 4K video at up to 100 fps using a 1/1.28-inch CMOS sensor with H-LOG and HDR support, and captures 12-megapixel stills, storing footage on up to 128 GB of onboard UFS 2.2 storage. HOVERAir rates the aircraft for Level 7 wind resistance (up to about 33 knots) and quotes a subject-tracking speed of up to 34 mph (about 54.7 km/h), with roughly 23 minutes of flight time per charge. A 1.6-inch AMOLED screen on the drone body shows flight status, and a wearable "Lighthouse" accessory can be used to help direct and recall the aircraft. AQUA offers more than 15 automated flight modes, including water-specific "snorkel" and "gimbal" presets built around its SmoothCapture 3.0 stabilisation system.
Use cases
HOVERAir markets AQUA for capturing surfing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding and other on-water activities without a second camera operator, as well as general hands-free travel and action video on land. Its water take-off and landing capability is aimed specifically at users who would otherwise have no dry place to launch a conventional drone.
Frequently asked questions
Can the HOVERAir AQUA actually land on water?
Yes. HOVERAir built it with neutral buoyancy and an IP67 waterproof rating so it can take off from and land directly on a water surface.
How long does the HOVERAir AQUA fly?
HOVERAir quotes about 23 minutes of flight time per charge.
Does the HOVERAir AQUA need FAA registration?
No, for recreational flyers in the United States — it weighs under 249 g, below the FAA's registration threshold. Separately, its US sale has faced delays tied to FCC foreign-drone rules.
How much does the HOVERAir AQUA cost?
HOVERAir lists an MSRP of US$1,299; Indiegogo early-bird bundles started at US$999.
Who makes the HOVERAir AQUA?
Zero Zero Robotics, a Chinese consumer-robotics company that sells its aerial cameras under the HOVERAir brand.
