REGENT Craft Unveils First Full-Scale Seaglider Prototype
REGENT Craft, the Rhode Island-based developer and manufacturer of all-electric seagliders, has revealed the first full-scale seaglider prototype and completed the first on-water tests, marking the beginning of sea trials that are expected to culminate in the first human seaglider flight in mid-2025.
The vessel, named Paladin, was christened by REGENT before being lowered into Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, to begin sea trials. These tests follow sub-system testing of the onboard systems, including motors, batteries, electronics, mechanical systems, and vehicle control software.
Mike Klinker, Co-Founder and CTO of REGENT, expressed his excitement by stating, “Stepping off the dock and onto the Viceroy seaglider prototype for the first time was surreal. I felt honored to be in the cockpit as she left the dock for the first time and started sea trials. This was the first voyage of a vessel that is destined to transform mobility — the era of seagliders has begun.”
Billy Thalheimer, REGENT’s Co-Founder and CEO, emphasized the significance of the sea trials, saying, “Sea trials are just the beginning. This is the first step toward delivering Viceroy seagliders around the world and fulfilling our global order book… Today, we’re one step closer to meeting what we have now validated as massive global market demand for seagliders.”
The 12-passenger Viceroy seaglider prototype is hailed as the “largest-ever” all-electric flying machine, offering a unique mode of transportation. According to REGENT, it operates exclusively over water in three modes – floating on the hull, foiling above the waves on hydrofoils, and flying in ground effect within one wingspan of the surface of the water.
Expanding Global Presence
In 2025, REGENT initiated the construction of a seaglider manufacturing facility in the Quonset Business Park in Rhode Island, set to become operational in 2026. Additionally, the company forged an agreement with Strategic Development Fund (SDF), an Abu Dhabi-based investment company and part of EDGE Group, to establish a joint venture that will bring seaglider manufacturing capabilities, maintenance services, and crew training to the UAE.
Driven by high market demand, REGENT has amassed a global order book exceeding $9 billion and forged partnerships worldwide to facilitate market entry and expansion.