Watch: Regent’s Seaglider lifts off in first crewed hydrofoil test
Regent Craft has completed the first successful crewed test of its Viceroy Seaglider prototype in foil mode.
The event is a major milestone in the development of Regent’s all-electric high-speed craft, which is classified as a boat rather than an aeroplane.
Regent says the project is seeking to bring the “speed of an aircraft with the convenience of a boat” to the regional coastal transportation market.
The test, which lifted the vessel above the water for the first time using its hydrofoils, follows initial float-mode trials conducted in March. It suggests Regent is making progress towards a full wing-in-ground effect flight.
Foiling mode allows the Seaglider to operate at higher speeds above the water’s surface, as well as offering improved manoeuvrability, greater comfort, and smoother handling in varying sea conditions.
It also enables a wave-tolerant and seamless transition from hull-borne movement to aerodynamic flight.
Regent says the Viceroy is on track to become one of the fastest hydrofoiling vessels in operation, targeting speeds of up to 50 knots, twice that of current production hydrofoils.
The team plans to gradually increase speeds throughout the summer as it continues sea trials.
The company expects to conduct the first human-crewed “flight” 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.”
Having announced last year an order for 27 REGENT Viceroy seagliders, UrbanLink Air Mobility has increased its order for up to 47 of the gliders.
The order, for which initial deliveries are anticipated in 2027, marks one of the largest commercial seaglider orders to date and will support the rapid roll out of UrbankLink’s operations across South Florida and Puerto Rico.
