Regent Seaglider Prototype Cleared for Testing

Regent's Viceroy seaglider seats up to 12, is capable of flying routes as long as 180 sm (156 nm) on a single charge, and is designed to combine the speed of an aircraft (cruising at 180 mph or 156 knots) with the functionality of a boat. It flies 20 to 30 feet above the water using ground effect, propelled both in the air and on the water by on-wing propellers.

While the craft is defined as a maritime vessel, it is regulated by USCG with FAA technical support, according to the company.

Approval of the navigational safety risk assessment will allow Regent to test its full-scale seaglider in Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island Sound, the Rhode Island-based company said.

The move also clears the way for another significant step in the seaglider's development, according to a company official.

“U.S. Coast Guard approval of Regent's navigational safety risk assessment marks a significant step in bringing us closer to seaglider prototype testing with humans on board,” said Ted Lester, the company's vice president of certification.    

Regent said it expects testing of the full-scale seaglider prototype with humans on board will begin by the end of the year.