Three‑Mode Operation
Seamless transitions through Float → Foil → Fly: hull‑borne at low speeds, hydrofoil-supported acceleration, then ground‑effect glide within ~1 wingspan (~65 ft) of the water
Hydrofoil Takeoff & Landing
Retractable hydrofoils enable smooth waterborne launches and docking—reducing drag and improving sea-state tolerance
Distributed Electric Propulsion with Blown Wing
12 electric motors mounted along the wing (“blown wing” design) for redundant, efficient lift and low-speed control
Quiet & Clean
30 dB quieter than equivalent helicopters or payload aircraft; zero emissions thanks to all-electric design
Hull Design
Deep-V pointed hull for comfortable water landings and harbor handling, especially when combined with hydrofoil operation
FAA-Equivalent Digital Controls
Full fly-by-wire system with synthetic vision, marine RADAR, sonar, IR camera, autopilot, and maritime traffic advisory for safe navigation in busy waters
Capacity & Cargo Flexibility
Configurable for 12 passengers plus 2 crew, or up to 3,500 lb cargo payload. Passenger configuration offers ~3,000 lb useful load and 88 cu ft of luggage space
Size & Aerodynamics
Length: 55 ft; Wingspan: 65 ft; Wing loading: ~54 psf; Cabin volume ~746 cu ft
Performance
Cruise speed of 180 mph (160 kt / 300 km/h), range of 180 statute miles (~156 nm / 300 km) with current battery tech
Wave Tolerance
Takes off and lands in sea conditions up to ~5 ft waves; can fly safely over waves up to ~13 ft (limited by emergency procedures)
Classification & Certification
Regulated as a Type A WIG maritime vessel under IMO and U.S. Coast Guard rules—not FAA aircraft—streamlining regulatory compliance
Manufacturing & Orders
Over $9 billion in pre‑orders; manufacturing facility under development in Rhode Island, targeted for 2026 start of volume production
Notes and Clarifications
- The propeller diameter is not explicitly disclosed. REGENT emphasizes a “blown wing” design with distributed propellers to enhance low-speed lift and takeoff performance.
- The powerplant benefit stems from the use of multiple electric motors (~120 kW each), yielding high efficiency (~95%) far exceeding typical turbine engines (~45%) .
- The vessel is regulated under maritime authorities (e.g. U.S. Coast Guard) rather than traditional aviation bodies—streamlining certification as a vessel rather than an aircraft.
- Seaglider has three operational modes: floating on hull, hydrofoiling on foils, and flying in ground effect within one wingspan (~65 ft) of the water. It completed its first hydrofoil lift test in June 2025 with most of its 15,000 lb mass lifted out of the water.
REGENT Viceroy Seaglider
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Name | REGENT Viceroy Seaglider |
| Aircraft Type | Wing‑in‑Ground‑Effect (WIG) vessel; classified as a maritime vessel (not aircraft) |
| Number of Propellers | 12 electric-driven propellers distributed along the wing for blown-wing lift |
| Diameter of Propellers | Not publicly specified by REGENT; presumed optimized for wing‑mounted “blown wing” high-lift operation |
| Powerplant | 12 electric motors, each rated ~120 kW |
| Energy Source | Battery-electric (zero-emissions battery power) |
| Aircraft Weight | Empty / Max water weight: ~15,000 lb (approx. 6.8 tonnes) |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight | 15,000 lb (same as water weight) |
| Payload | In passenger config: ~3,000 lb (1,350 kg); in cargo config: up to 3,500 lb (1,600 kg) |
| Range | ~180 miles (300 km / 156 nautical miles) on a single charge |
| Cruise Speed | ~180 mph (300 km/h / 156 knots) |