Regent Craft hits the water with full-scale prototype

Seaglider developer Regent Craft has begun sea trials using a full-scale crewed prototype. 

The first on-water tests of the 55ft long, 65ft wingspan prototype follow Regent’s quarter-scale seaglider tests conducted in 2022.

 The vessel operates over water in three modes — floating on the hull, foiling above the waves on hydrofoils and flying in ground effect within one wingspan of the surface of the water.

“Sea trials are just the beginning,” said Billy Thalheimer, Regent co-founder and CEO. “This is the first step toward delivering Viceroy seagliders around the world and fulfilling our global order book. It’s a true testament to the dedication of our world-class team and partners across the globe that we’ve accomplished this historic milestone in just four years since our founding. Today, we’re one step closer to meeting what we have now validated as massive global market demand for seagliders.”

In maritime tradition, Regent christened the vessel, named Paladin, before lowering her into Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island.  From there test captains completed the first in a series of tests that will culminate in a flight planned for summer 2025. 

Sea trials follow months of sub-system testing of the critical onboard systems, including motors, batteries, electronics, mechanical systems and vehicle control software.

Regent has also advanced its maritime certification process with the US Coast Guard and maritime regulators in partnership with maritime classification society Lloyd’s Register.

“Stepping off the dock and onto the Viceroy seaglider prototype for the first time was surreal,” said Mike Klinker, co-founder and chief technical officer of Regent. “I felt honoured to be in the cockpit as she left the dock for the first time and started sea trials. This was the first voyage of a vessel that is destined to transform mobility — the era of seagliders has begun.”

Regent has a global order book, if realised, worth more than $9bn across six continents. The firm is also working on dual usage with the US Marine Corps, looking at maritime defense, logistics and search-and-rescue.

In January, Regent broke ground on a 255,000sqft manufacturing facility in the Quonset Business Park in Rhode Island, expected to come online in 2026. 

In February, the company signed an agreement with Strategic Development Fund (SDF), an Abu Dhabi-based investment company, to establish a joint venture that will bring seaglider manufacturing capabilities, maintenance services and crew training to the UAE.