The REGENT Viceroy "seaglider" is a proposed electric-powered wing-in-ground-effect vehicle under development by REGENT Craft Inc. of Rhode Island, USA (REGENT is capitalized because it is an acronym, standing for "Regional Electric Ground Effect Nautical Transport"). 12 passengers will be carried on flights of up to 180 miles (290 km) over coastal waters, with retractable hydrofoils used during the take-off run. It is intended to conduct flight trials in 2024 with customer deliveries commencing in 2025. A 1/4 scale model was successfully demonstrated in 2022 in Narragansett Bay.[1]
Announced customers include New Zealand's Ocean Flyer, Brittany Ferries[2] in Europe and US carriers Mesa Airlines, Mokulele Airlines and Southern Airways Express.[3]
Regulation question edit
It is unclear whether regulation in United States waters will fall entirely to the US Coast Guard, or whether the Federal Aviation Administration would also be involved – which would require more arduous and expensive certification.[3]
Specification edit
Data from REGENT[4]
General characteristics
- Crew: 2
- Capacity: 12 passengers or 3,500 pounds (1,600 kg) cargo
- Length: 57.5 ft (17.5 m)
- Wingspan: 65 ft (20 m)
- Height: 15.5 ft (4.7 m)
- Max takeoff weight: 15,400 lb (6,985 kg)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 180 mph (290 km/h, 160 kn)
- Range: 180 mi (290 km, 160 nmi)
References edit
- ^ "REGENT Completes World's First All-Electric Seaglider Flight Unlocking a New Era of Maritime Mobility". REGENT. 15 September 2022. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
- ^ "Llandudno to Liverpool sea gliders planned by county council". BBC News. 6 October 2023. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
- ^ a b Jon Hemmerdinger (18 July 2023). "But is it an aircraft? FAA undecided on critical question as Regent seeks 'seaglider' guidance". Flight International. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
- ^ "Viceroy Seaglider". REGENT. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
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