Sea trials of the Viceroy Seaglider prototype are advancing rapidly, with REGENT Craft announcing the completion of its first crewed foil-mode testing.
Following the initial float-mode test in March, this marks a significant step forward in the validation of the full-scale Seaglider vessel.
REGENT’s latest sea trial campaign tests the vessel’s hydrofoiling capability on water ahead of the first flight later this year.
The Seaglider vessel operates exclusively over the water in three modes: floating on the hull, foiling on hydrofoils, and flying in ground effect, within one wingspan from the surface of the water.
The first human-crewed Seaglider flight is projected for later this summer.
“Seeing our Seaglider prototype rise onto foil for the first time marks a major milestone and a powerful validation of the years of innovation, grit, and world-class engineering our team has poured into this vision,” said Billy Thalheimer, co-founder and CEO at REGENT. “This achievement brings us one step closer to crewed flight, and we couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead.”
At 55ft long with a 65ft wingspan, the 12-passenger Viceroy Seaglider vessel will be the largest-ever all-electric flying machine, according to the company’s announcement.
