Revolutionary Electric Seaglider Takes Passengers Flying

A Rhode Island-based startup, Regent Craft, has successfully completed the first test of its full-size electric seaglider with passengers on board, validating the company’s idea for a new type of ocean-going vessel.

Utilizing the Wing-in-Ground Effect for Efficiency

The seaglider takes advantage of the wing-in-ground effect, which occurs when a winged vehicle experiences less aerodynamic drag when flying close to the surface, whether it’s land or water.

With multiple propellers mounted on a specially designed wing, the Regent Viceroy Seaglider promises to carry 12 passengers and two crew members (or 1,600 kg of cargo) for at least 300 km, cruising at a speed of 300 km/h, flying at very low altitudes between 9 and 18 meters above the water.

The company received approval from the US Coast Guard last September to test the full-size prototype of the Viceroy, and it has now succeeded in doing so. As the name suggests, the model is the same size as the upcoming production version, measuring 16.75 meters in length and 19.8 meters in wingspan. Regent highlights that the vessel can simply float on its hull, fly above the waves with its hydrofoils, or glide just above the water surface using the ground effect.

Significant Milestone After Years of Development

This test marks an important milestone after years of developing the seaglider, which began in 2020. It took two years to build and test a quarter-scale prototype, and the full-size model was launched after months of testing various onboard systems, including motors, batteries, and control software.

With this, Regent is closer to fulfilling the promise made to its investors, who bet $90 million on developing high-speed electric coastal transportation. Regent Craft already secured over $9 billion in orders from around the world and believes its vessels will transport tourists between tropical islands, carry cargo, and assist in emergency response situations.
It is also partnering with the US Marine Corps to explore maritime defense and logistics applications. Additionally, this collaboration aims to enhance the military’s capabilities in these areas, while further expanding the potential use of the seaglider. Moreover, by working with the Marine Corps, Regent Craft is positioning itself at the forefront of innovative defense solutions.

Expanding Manufacturing and Future Innovations

Additionally, Regent is building a large manufacturing facility in Rhode Island, which it plans to open next year. This means we are not far from seeing hybrid electric vessels—combining boats, planes, and hydrofoils—on the seas in a revolutionary and unprecedented way.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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