Regent Craft has received approval from the U.S. Coast Guard to test its electric-powered seaglider called Viceroy. The seaglider can seat up to 12 people and fly up to 180 miles on a single charge, combining the speed of an aircraft with the functionality of a boat. It operates 20 to 30 feet above the water using ground effect and is propelled by on-wing propellers. The approval allows Regent to conduct full-scale prototype testing in Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island Sound. The company plans to begin testing with humans on board by the end of the year.
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Regent Craft has received approval from the U.S. Coast Guard to test its innovative seagliders, a new form of electric-powered aircraft that combines the speed of an airplane with the functionality of a boat. The company’s Viceroy seaglider, which can seat up to 12 passengers and fly routes as long as 180 nautical miles on a single charge, is set to undergo testing in Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island Sound.
This exciting development marks a significant step forward in the development of the seaglider technology. Regent Craft’s Vice President of Certification, Ted Lester, highlighted the importance of the USCG approval, stating that it brings the company closer to testing the seaglider prototype with humans on board. The company expects to begin testing with passengers by the end of the year.
In addition to their practical applications for transportation, seagliders also offer some interesting fun facts. For example, seagliders use ground effect to fly 20 to 30 feet above the water, propelled by on-wing propellers. This unique design allows them to operate efficiently both in the air and on the water, making them a versatile and environmentally friendly mode of transportation.
As Regent Craft moves forward with testing its seaglider prototype, the company continues to push the boundaries of innovation in the aerospace industry. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting new technology!
