Regent Craft flies crewed Viceroy seaglider prototype
Regent Craft completed the first crewed flight of its Viceroy ground-effect seaglider, reaching 33 feet above water in Narragansett Bay.
US firm Regent Craft has flown a crewed prototype of its Viceroy ground-effect craft for the first time. The electric-powered seaglider lifted off from Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, reaching 33 feet above the water for 30 seconds. Two captains were aboard.
The Viceroy flew 596 metres, according to Regent. The high-wing craft has 12 motors and rises on hydrofoils before becoming airborne, relying on ground effect for lift. In ground effect, wingtip vortices are reduced, lowering drag and increasing lift.
Regent's chief technology officer Mike Klinker said the test validates years of engineering and gives confidence to move into full-rate production. The flight followed simulations and summer trials that gradually increased hydrofoil speed.
In April, Regent disclosed an uncrewed version, Squire, had flown for defence customers. CEO Billy Thalheimer said the Viceroy flight marks a new era in mobility and will open opportunities in passenger travel, cargo transport, and defence. Regent says the seaglider combines the speed of an aircraft with the convenience of a boat, and a triple-redundant digital control system manages stability autonomously.
Sources
- flightglobal.comFirst crewed Viceroy ground-effect craft becomes airborne during flight test