China's HoverAir Versa Uses Modular Components to Get Around the FCC's Foreign Drone Ban

Live updates

1. 23d ago

   HoverAir Versa drone faces US shipping halt

   The HoverAir Versa, a modular drone and gimbal camera, has had its US orders halted due to regulatory issues. Despite initial FCC clearance, the device has been blocked from shipping to US backers. The HoverAir Versa combines a handheld gimbal camera with flight capabilities, seeking to bypass existing bans on foreign drones in the US.

   Why it matters

   The HoverAir Versa's classification as a 2-in-1 device aims to exploit a loophole in US regulations targeting traditional foreign drone imports. The device's modular design allows it to transform from a pocket gimbal camera to a self-flying drone. This innovation has garnered significant attention, with over $230,000 in funding secured through an Indiegogo campaign.

   What is confirmed

   • The HoverAir Versa has received FCC approval.
   • The HoverAir Versa combines a handheld gimbal camera with flight capabilities.
   • HoverAir has halted VERSA Flight Kit orders to US backers.
   • The device has secured more than $230,000 in funding through an Indiegogo campaign.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The FCC has revoked the HoverAir Versa's certification.

   What to watch next

   • FCC's final decision on HoverAir Versa's certification
   • HoverAir's response to the regulatory issues
   • Potential impact on the drone industry
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. newatlas.com — HoverAir's latest flyer eradicates divide between pocket cam and drone
   2. www.theverge.com — HoverAir’s transforming modular drone has already been halted in the US
   3. www.redsharknews.com — HoverAir Versa Flight Kit blocked from shipping to US backers
   4. consent.yahoo.com — Modular pocket gimbal camera that transforms into a self-flying drone retroactively banned by FCC, certification revoked — Agency closes foreign UAS loophole on 230…
   confidence 90%
2. 26d ago

   HoverAir Versa Drone Obtains FCC Approval via Modular Design

   The HoverAir Versa, a 2-in-1 gimbal camera and drone, has received FCC approval. The device uses modular components to bypass existing bans on foreign drones in the United States. Described as a flying pocket camera, the product has already secured more than $230,000 in funding through an Indiegogo campaign. By combining a handheld gimbal camera with flight capabilities, the manufacturer seeks to redefine the device's classification to avoid regulatory restrictions targeting traditional foreign drone imports.

   Why it matters

   The U.S. government has implemented restrictions on drones from certain foreign nations due to security concerns. This modular approach attempts to circumvent those rules by blending a consumer camera with a flight module. It creates a legal ambiguity regarding whether the device is primarily a camera or a drone.

   What is confirmed

   • The HoverAir Versa is a 2-in-1 gimbal camera and drone.
   • The device has received FCC approval.
   • The product raised over $230,000 on Indiegogo.
   • The HoverAir Versa uses modular components to bypass the FCC's foreign drone ban.

   What to watch next

   • Official FCC documentation detailing the specific classification of the Versa
   • Potential legal challenges from U.S. regulators regarding the modular design loophole
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. PCMag — China's HoverAir Versa Uses Modular Components to Get Around the FCC's Foreign Drone Ban
   2. Mashable — HoverAir Versa: How this drone dodged the FCC's foreign drone ban
   3. The Verge — Does giving a camera wings dodge the FCC’s drone ban?
   4. PetaPixel — World’s First Flying Pocket Camera Quickly Raised Over $230,000 on Indiegogo
   5. Yahoo Tech — Want a DJI Pocket 4 with wings? The world’s first 2-in-1 drone that doubles as a pocket gimbal camera just got FCC approval
   6. Dronelife — HOVERAir Launches VERSA 2-in-1 Gimbal and Camera Drone
   confidence 90%