Regent has completed the first on-water tests of its full-scale Viceroy seaglider prototype, marking a major step toward commercial deployment. The Rhode Island-based company christened the 12-passenger, all-electric vessel Paladin before launching it into Narragansett Bay for the start of sea trials. The 55ft-long, 65ft-wingspan seaglider is designed to operate in three modes - floating, hydrofoiling and flying in ground effect above water.

Regent CTO and co-founder Mike Klinker, who was aboard for the maiden voyage, says: “Stepping off the dock and onto the Viceroy seaglider prototype for the first time was surreal. This was the first voyage of a vessel that is destined to transform mobility; the era of seagliders has begun.”

Sea trials follow extensive sub-system testing, with Regent aiming for the first human-crewed flight later this year. CEO and co-founder Billy Thalheimer adds: “Sea trials are just the beginning. This is the first step toward delivering Viceroy seagliders around the world and fulfilling our global order book.”

Regent, which validated its wing-in-ground effect design with a quarter-scale prototype in 2022, has secured a $9 billion order book across six continents. The company is also developing defence, logistics and search-and-rescue applications in partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps.

To support future production, Regent is building a 255,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Rhode Island, set to open in 2026. It has also partnered with Abu Dhabi-based Strategic Development Fund to bring seaglider manufacturing and support services to the UAE. Maritime certification efforts are progressing with the U.S. Coast Guard and global regulators in collaboration with Lloyd’s Register.