REGENT Craft, the Rhode Island-based developer and manufacturer of all-electric seagliders, reported today the world’s first full-scale crewed seaglider and completed the first on-water tests, “showcasing the successful technical validation of the novel maritime vessel with humans on board and marking a pivotal moment in transportation history,” said the company in a press release.
“The 12-passenger Viceroy seaglider prototype, at 55ft long with a 65ft wingspan, is the largest-ever all-electric flying machine and represents a novel mode of transportation. 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.”
“Stepping off the dock and onto the Viceroy seaglider prototype for the first time was surreal” said Mike Klinker, Co-founder and CTO of REGENT. “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.”
In January, REGENT broke ground on a 255,000 sq ft seaglider manufacturing facility in the Quonset Business Park in Rhode Island, expected to come online in 2026. In February, REGENT 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.
For more information
https://www.regentcraft.com/