Rhode Island-based REGENT Craft will enter a second phase to further demonstrate its seaglider vehicle for US Marine Corps defense operations.
Under a $10-million contract with extension options, REGENT will showcase the technical capabilities of the Viceroy seaglider prototype for various missions, including contested logistics maritime operations and medevac/casevac.
It follows the first phase under an initial $4.75-million deal that covered the technical feasibility of the maritime transport vehicle: from testing the quarter-scale prototype to starting sea trials for the full-scale version at Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island.
“We are incredibly proud to extend our collaboration with the US Marine Corps Warfighting Lab and continue to validate how REGENT’s high-speed, low-signature, low-cost seagliders will enable defense missions,” said Tom Huntley, company VP of Government Relations and Defense.
Viceroy Seaglider
The seaglider is a platform designed to quickly and safely evacuate troops and equipment, powered by an electric propulsion system that enables it to run at a top speed of 180 miles (289 kilometers) per hour over 180 miles.
It is rechargeable from shore or ship and does not require a runway; it can take off and land on water while remaining below radar and above sonar.
The all-electric vehicle flies within one wingspan above the water and operates in three stages.
It begins moving in regular boat mode and transitions into hydrofoil mode as it speeds up, lifting like a high-tech water ski.
In open water, it retracts the hydrofoils and glides just above the surface.
Made with a simple design, it is described as an affordable option needing less operating and maintenance costs compared to traditional maritime platforms.
Progress
In addition to this contract, the company also sent a Viceroy Design Basis Agreement to the US Coast Guard, explaining its design and safe operations as part of the process toward achieving its maritime certification.
REGENT also began construction on a manufacturing facility in the Quonset Business Park in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, for the Viceroy seaglider’s component manufacturing, vehicle final assembly, and pre-delivery testing.
It is set to be operational by 2026.
