REGENT Seaglider completes first crewed flight in commercial milestone

REGENT Craft has operated the world’s first flight of the Viceroy Seaglider prototype, the largest-ever all-electric wing-in-ground effect (WIG) craft to fly with people on board.

The US aerospace pioneer said the brief flight, on 2 September, marked a major step in the company’s development of a high-speed maritime vehicle that transitions between conventional boat operation, hydrofoiling and wing-in-ground-effect flight.

The two-crew flight took place over Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island, where REGENT is headquartered, with the prototype covering 1,956ft (596m) in approximately 30 seconds at an altitude of around 33ft (10m).

The test moves the Viceroy programme into a new phase of sea trials as REGENT works towards production of a 12-passenger vehicle.

What is the REGENT Viceroy Seaglider?

Unlike a conventional aircraft, the Seaglider is designed to remain over water throughout its operation. 

It initially moves through the water on its hull before rising onto hydrofoils as its speed increases. 

Once airborne, it flies within approximately one wingspan of the surface, using the aerodynamic phenomenon known as ground effect.

This reduces induced drag compared with flight at higher altitude, allowing a wing-in-ground-effect craft to achieve aircraft-like speeds while remaining close to the water.

REGENT intends to use the vehicles to offer an alternative to both ferries and conventional aircraft.

The vessel is designed to use existing port infrastructure and does not require a runway, while its ability to fly over the water allows it to avoid much of the drag and wave resistance encountered by high-speed water surface vessels.

The latest crewed test follows earlier uncrewed testing of the smaller Squire Seaglider, which REGENT is developing for defence applications.

How fast is the REGENT Viceroy Seaglider?

The production Viceroy is planned to carry 12 passengers and two crew members, with a maximum speed of 180mph and range of up to 180 miles.

REGENT is aiming to cover routes where a vessel could connect cities and islands directly while avoiding the need for passengers to travel through an airport.

The company has already secured commercial commitments for the aircraft. 

Coastal travel operator The Twenty Five has agreed to become REGENT’s US launch and first domestic delivery partner, with an order covering up to 60 Viceroy aircraft.

REGENT is also pursuing military applications, including logistics, medical evacuation and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. 

Its defence work includes a $15 million contract with the US Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory.

REGENT expands Seaglider production ahead of commercial launch

The first crewed flight comes shortly after REGENT announced a $240 million Series B funding round, which the company plans to use to expand manufacturing of its Viceroy and Squire platforms.

In June, it completed construction of a 255,000sq ft manufacturing facility at its Rhode Island headquarters.

The site is intended to support structural assembly, installation of wings and hydrofoils, battery and systems integration, and water-based testing.

The facility’s waterfront location is intended to allow completed vehicles to move directly into sea trials, while Regent plans to increase production capacity in stages.