REGENT Craft has completed the first human-crewed flight of its Viceroy Seaglider prototype, which the company says makes it the largest all-electric wing-in-ground-effect (WIG) craft to fly with people aboard.
The flight took place at REGENT’s headquarters in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, with two captains aboard. Viceroy flew 1,956 feet (596 meters) at an altitude of 33 feet (10 meters) for approximately 30 seconds.
The flight marks the beginning of the final stage of Viceroy’s sea trials following a year of on-water testing and simulation work.
REGENT has previously demonstrated flight of its uncrewed Squire Seaglider and is now continuing testing of the crewed platform ahead of production.
Viceroy is designed to operate in three modes: floating, hydrofoiling, and flying, before transitioning into wing-in-ground-effect flight close to the water’s surface.
The production vehicle is planned to carry 12 passengers and two crew members at speeds of up to 180 mph and a range of up to 180 miles.
REGENT CEO and co-founder Billy Thalheimer said the flight validates the company’s approach to ground-effect flight and moves the program toward production.
The company is developing Seagliders for commercial coastal transportation as well as defense applications, including logistics, medical evacuation, and ISR.
REGENT has a $15 million contract with the U.S. Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory and a CRADA with U.S. Special Operations Command.
Watch the video here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/telemetry-today_regent-viceroy-seaglider-first-flight-activity-7501230123858231296-UdeD?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAACdX3SUBHEsrB6YetJ5VjjHiCNIXVPBC4Os
Image Credits: REGENT
