REGENT Craft has revealed its full-scale crewed seaglider prototype and completed the first on-water tests, showcasing the successful technical validation of the novel maritime vessel with humans on board.
The 12-passenger, all-electric Viceroy seaglider prototype measures 55ft long with a 65ft wingspan. The high-speed vessel operates exclusively over water in three modes — floating on the hull, foiling above the waves on hydrofoils, and flying in ground effect within one wingspan of the surface of the water.
In maritime tradition, REGENT christened the vessel, named “Paladin”, before lowering her into Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. Officially commencing sea trials, REGENT test captains completed the first in a series of on-water tests that will culminate in the first human seaglider flight mid-year.
Sea trials follow months of rigorous sub-system testing of the critical onboard systems, including motors, batteries, electronics, mechanical systems, and vehicle control software.
REGENT seagliders are designed to enhance coastal transportation efficiency, offering a low-cost and convenient solution for passenger travel, cargo transport, and emergency response.
The company successfully flew its quarter-scale seaglider prototype in 2022, validating its innovative technological approach to redefining wing-in-ground craft (WIGs), vessels that operate in ground effect low over the surface of the water.
Mike Klinker, Co-founder and CTO of REGENT, commented, “Stepping off the dock and onto the Viceroy seaglider prototype for the first time was surreal. I felt honored to be in the cockpit as she left the dock for the first time and started sea trials. This was the first voyage of a vessel that is destined to transform mobility — the era of seagliders has begun.”
Billy Thalheimer, REGENT Co-founder and CEO, added, “Sea trials are just the beginning. This is the first step toward delivering Viceroy seagliders around the world and fulfilling our global order book. It’s a true testament to the dedication of our world-class team and partners across the globe that we’ve accomplished this historic milestone in just four years since our founding. Today, we’re one step closer to meeting what we have now validated as massive global market demand for seagliders.”
