US company Regent Craft has completed the first on-water fully-crewed tests of its novel electrically-powered Seaglider vessel, for which the company claims a pivotal moment in transportation history.
The 12-passenger Viceroy seaglider prototype, at 16.8m long with a 19,8m wingspan, is considered the largest-ever all-electric flying machine The vehicle travels at up to 180 mile/h to service routes up to 180 miles on a single charge. It 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.
The vessel, named Paladin, has now completed the first in a series of on-water tests that will culminate in the first human seaglider flight mid-2025. These sea trials follow rigorous sub-system testing of the critical onboard systems, including motors, batteries, electronics, mechanical systems, and vehicle control software.
Mike Klinker, Regent Co-founder and CTO, said: “Stepping off the dock and onto the Viceroy seaglider prototype for the first time was surreal. I felt honoured 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.”
Since Regent’s founding in 2020, the company has made rapid progress toward market entry for the Viceroy seaglider.
Billy Thalheimer, Regent Co-founder and CEO said: “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.”
Regent claims that high market demand has led to a global order book worth more than US$ 9bn across six continents, as well as developing partnerships across government offices, businesses, and community groups in coastal regions to facilitate market entry. Regent is in partnership with US Marine Corps, developing the seaglider’s maritime defence, logistics, and search-and-rescue capabilities. The company is building a manufacturing facility in Rhode Island, expected to come online in 2026. It has signed an agreement with Strategic Development Fund (SDF), an Abu Dhabi-based investment company and part of Edge Group, to establish a joint venture that will bring seaglider manufacturing capabilities, maintenance services, and crew training to the UAE.
Regent is working on maritime certification processes with the US Coast Guard and with maritime regulators in partnership with classification society Lloyd’s Register.
Image: Regent’s Viceroy Seaglider electric prototype vessel (source: Regent Craft)
