An American company that was only founded in 2020, last week completed the first on-water tests of a full-scale prototype of a new electric ‘seaglider’ vessel.
Rhode Island-based REGENT Craft (an acronym for Regional Electric Ground Effect Nautical Transport), have developed the Viceroy seaglider as a new type of vehicle, combining the high speed of an aircraft with the convenience of a boat.
The seagliders operate exclusively over water in three modes: either floating on the hull, gliding above the waves on hydrofoils or flying in ground effect – the practice of flying at an altitude typically one wingspan from the surface – in this case, the water – to reduce aerodynamic drag and increase lift, allowing the vehicle to fly more efficiently.
A quarter-scale seaglider prototype was successfully flown in 2022, validating the ‘wing-in-ground’ technology the company had developed.
Last week’s tests, which took place with humans onboard, represents the beginning of a testing campaign that is expected to see the first flight take place within months.
The all-electric vessel has a range of around 180 miles and can cruise at 180mph. It can carry 12 passengers plus two crew or, as a cargo vessel, 1,600 kg of payload.
The prototype is 55′ long with a 65′ wingspan, making it the largest all-electric flying machine ever built.
Mike Klinker, Co-founder and CTO of REGENT said: ‘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 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.’