REGENT Launches Groundbreaking Full-Scale Electric Seaglider, Embarks on Pioneering Sea Trials

REGENT Craft has reached a major milestone in maritime transport with the introduction of its inaugural full-scale seaglider prototype, signaling a transformative phase in coastal travel.

The innovative 12-passenger Viceroy seaglider, named “Paladin,” showcases advancements in maritime technology. Measuring 55 feet long with a wingspan of 65 feet, it is indeed the largest all-electric flying vessel ever constructed.

This vessel features a distinctive design that allows for three operational modes: floating on its hull, gliding on hydrofoils above the water, and flying close to the surface within one wingspan’s distance.

Sea trials began this month in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. REGENT’s test captains successfully executed initial tests with passengers onboard after extensive subsystem evaluations of essential components like motors, batteries, electronics, mechanical systems, and control software.

Mike Klinker, Co-founder and CTO of REGENT described the first voyage as “surreal,” emphasizing that it marks the beginning of an era for mobility conversion through seagliders.

As its inception in 2020, REGENT has rapidly advanced the Viceroy seaglider’s development. The company previously validated their innovative wing-in-ground craft technology with a quarter-scale prototype in 2022. This design aims to enhance efficiency for coastal transportation across various applications including passenger services and cargo delivery.

The market response has been overwhelmingly favorable; REGENT boasts an impressive order book exceeding $9 billion across six continents.

in August 2022, Bureau Veritas granted an Approval in Principle (AiP) for the Viceroy—an significant step toward commercializing seagliders. Additionally, REGENT is establishing a substantial manufacturing facility spanning 255,000 square feet at Quonset Business Park in Rhode Island set to commence operations by 2026. A joint venture with Abu Dhabi’s Strategic Development Fund will also facilitate manufacturing capabilities and crew training services within the UAE.

On regulatory matters, significant strides have been made as well. In August 2024, U.S. Coast Guard approval was obtained for its Navigational Safety Risk Assessment after thorough third-party risk evaluations involving over twenty local stakeholders. Under U.S. regulations, seagliders are classified as maritime vessels.

The Viceroy can reach speeds up to 180 mph and cover distances of up to 180 miles on one charge—potentially revolutionizing coastal mobility options. The success of these early trials positions REGENT at the forefront of sustainable maritime transport while aiming for its first human flight by mid-2025.

this groundbreaking technology could significantly alter coastal transportation dynamics by providing high-speed and eco-amiable alternatives for sea travel. With ongoing regulatory approvals and robust market interest surrounding this innovation from REGENT’s seaglider technology appears ready to set new benchmarks within maritime transport.