REGENT Craft’s Seaglider™ vessel prototype, Viceroy, has completed its first human-crewed flight. The first flight took place at REGENT’s headquarters on Narragansett Bay, R.I., with a crew of two captains aboard.
The Seaglider flew a distance of 1,956 ft (596 m) at a height of 33 ft (10m) above the water for 30 seconds.
The Viceroy prototype flight test marks the start of the program’s final stage of sea trials.
“We’re now moving quickly toward production to deliver Seagliders to coastlines around the world,” said Billy Thalheimer, co-founder and CEO at REGENT.
Seaglider vessels are high-speed, hydrofoiling wing-in-ground effect craft that combine the speed of an aircraft with the convenience of a boat.
The vessel operates in three modes – float, foil, and fly – starting on its hull at low speed, transitioning to hydrofoils once clear of the dock, and then taking flight within one wingspan of the water’s surface.
The Viceroy vessel will be able to fly at speeds up to 180 mph for up to 180 miles, and seat 12 passengers and two crew.
REGENT said Seaglider vessels are captained by certified mariners and regulated in the U.S. by the U.S. Coast Guard and by maritime authorities in countries around the world.
“Completing this flight test validates years of rigorous engineering and operational work and gives us the confidence to move into full-rate production,” said Mike Klinker, co-founder and CTO at REGENT.
