HoverAir Aqua wind limit
HoverAir’s rated wind resistance, recommended limits in every unit, and what a ground forecast means at 120 m.
HoverAir rates the Aqua for winds up to 17.0 m/s (38 mph, 61 km/h, Level 7). A steady 25 mph (11.2 m/s) at flight height is 66% of that rating, which our score calls Marginal. For a comfortable margin keep sustained wind at altitude under 10.2 m/s (23 mph) and estimated gusts under 13.6 m/s (30 mph).
Wind limits in every unit
Our default go/no-go thresholds are a share of the maker’s rating: sustained wind up to 60% is within your limits, up to 85% is marginal; estimated gusts up to 80% are within, up to 100% marginal.
| m/s | km/h | mph | knots | Beaufort | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HoverAir’s max wind rating | 17.0 | 61 | 38 | 33 | 7 |
| Sustained wind: within your limits up to (60%) | 10.2 | 37 | 23 | 20 | 5 |
| Sustained wind: marginal up to (85%) | 14.4 | 52 | 32 | 28 | 7 |
| Estimated gusts: within your limits up to (80%) | 13.6 | 49 | 30 | 26 | 6 |
| Estimated gusts: marginal up to (100%) | 17.0 | 61 | 38 | 33 | 7 |
What a ground forecast means at 120 m
Most forecasts give wind at 10 m. Higher up it is stronger. With the standard power law (α = 0.14 over open land by day, about 0.25 at night or over towns and forest), here is the sustained wind the Aqua meets at 120 m (400 ft), and how our score rates it. Altiwind uses the model’s own 80, 120 and 180 m winds where they exist.
| Wind at 10 m | 120 m, open land by day | Score | 120 m, night or urban | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 km/h (6 mph) | 14 km/h | Within your limits | 19 km/h | Within your limits |
| 15 km/h (9 mph) | 21 km/h | Within your limits | 28 km/h | Within your limits |
| 20 km/h (12 mph) | 28 km/h | Within your limits | 37 km/h | Marginal |
| 25 km/h (16 mph) | 35 km/h | Within your limits | 47 km/h | Marginal |
| 30 km/h (19 mph) | 42 km/h | Marginal | 56 km/h | Outside your limits |
| 35 km/h (22 mph) | 50 km/h | Marginal | 65 km/h | Outside your limits |
| 40 km/h (25 mph) | 57 km/h | Outside your limits | 74 km/h | Outside your limits |
Sustained wind only. Gusts come on top: Altiwind adds the forecast 10 m gust excess (gust minus mean, never less than 20% of the wind), so check the estimated gusts too. See wind at altitude and gust forecast. UAV Forecast also shows wind by height: how it compares with Altiwind.
Cold weather
HoverAir rates the Aqua down to -5 °C. Batteries lose capacity in the cold well before that, so Altiwind marks every hour below 5 °C as marginal with a battery warning, and below -5 °C as outside your limits. More in flying drones in cold weather.
Rain and moisture
With an IP67 rating the Aqua is built to cope with some water, so Altiwind scores rain by the amount (up to 2.5 mm an hour within your limits) instead of the chance of rain. See fog, rain and humidity.
Similar drones
- HoverAir Versa10.7 m/s
- HoverAir X1 Pro10.7 m/s
- HoverAir X1 ProMax10.7 m/s
- HoverAir X1 Smart7.9 m/s
- HoverAir X17.9 m/s
- DJI Inspire 314.0 m/s
Sources
- HoverAir Aqua specifications (maker)
Exists. Waterproof, floats, takes off from water. Wind stated "Level 7: up to 17 m/s". Release from maker blog "AQUA premieres at CES 2026".
FAQ
Can the HoverAir Aqua fly in 25 mph wind?
25 mph is 11.2 m/s, 66% of the 17.0 m/s rating from HoverAir. Altiwind scores that as marginal for sustained wind at flight height. Gusts and the stronger wind higher up matter too.
What is the HoverAir Aqua’s wind resistance level?
17.0 m/s (61 km/h, 38 mph), which is Level 7 on the Beaufort scale. That is the most the drone is designed to handle, not a comfortable working wind.
Can the HoverAir Aqua fly in cold weather?
HoverAir rates the Aqua down to -5 °C. Batteries lose capacity in the cold well before that, so Altiwind marks every hour below 5 °C as marginal with a battery warning, and below -5 °C as outside your limits.
Is the HoverAir Aqua waterproof?
HoverAir states an IP67 rating.