What is a Seaglider?
A seaglider is an all-electric, passenger-carrying, wing-in-ground-effect vehicle built to service coastal routes, building on real-world-proven tech.
Float. Foil. Fly!
Seagliders operate as nautical transport vessels that begin floating on a hull before transitioning to gliding on underwater hydrofoils and ultimately taking off to fly above the water’s surface staying in ground effect.
Proven Technology
All-electric seagliders are possible due to tested aerodynamic principles and built to the highest safety standards.
Industry Leaders
Seagliders are brought to Rhode Island by world-class engineers in conjunction with local community leaders and organizations
Powered By REGENT
REGENT’s flagship seaglider, Viceroy, is a 12 passenger vehicle that operates exclusively over water, traversing the sea in one of three modes: hull, hydrofoil, or flight in ground effect. Seagliders have 160 nautical mile range with existing battery technology (upgradeable to over 400 nautical mile range with next generation battery technology) and are expected to enter service by mid decade. Full-scale prototypes will begin human flight trials by 2024.
Multi-Use
Seagliders can be adopted to fly both passengers and cargo
All-Electric
Seagliders are 100% electric with zero emissions
Built To Serve
Seagliders will provide Rhode Island and visitors affordable travel, lower cargo costs, quicker emergency response and reduced highway congestion all without any carbon emissions. The Rhode Island Seaglider Initiative is built on the core value of serving the community with every effort taken to include local voices and ensure that the benefits of seagliders are shared by the entire Rhode Island ecosystem.
Frequently asked questions
Seagliders are all-electric wing-in-ground effect vehicles. Wing-in-ground effect refers to the airflow created by the vehicle’s wings and surface of the ocean, which allows seagliders to travel smoothly above the water. This means seagliders can fly low (within one wingspan) over the water on a cushion of air to take advantage of numerous aerodynamic and operational efficiencies.
Seagliders operate in three modes – float, foil and fly. From the dock, the vehicle first drives on its hull like a traditional boat. As it leaves the harbor area and speeds up, it rises on its hydrofoil, a key maritime technology popularized by America’s Cup sailing competitions. The hydrofoil offers significant wave tolerance and a smooth ride as the seaglider leaves a harbor. Upon reaching open water, the seaglider takes flight, retracting the foil and accelerating up to cruise speed — all while staying within a wingspan of the water’s surface.
Seagliders fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Coast Guard and will be regulated to the highest safety standards for passenger carrying vehicles. In addition, seagliders will be certified by Bureau Veritas, a global classification society that provides third-party technical assessments and approves new seagoing vessels such as seagliders. REGENT has already received an Approval in Principle from Bureau Veritas, paving the way for commercial operations for its 12-passenger seaglider, Viceroy.
In August 2022, REGENT successfully completed a series of first flight tests, using a quarter-scale prototype for the 12-passenger seaglider with flight-qualified avionics components, electrical systems, and software systems.
Seagliders are much less expensive to operate relative to airplanes. This cost reduction means much lower ticket prices than what are currently offered by airline while simultaneously providing a quicker door-to-door travel time.
We recognize the dangers of introducing a new mode of maritime transportation to Rhode Island's environment. This is why seagliders are built to the highest regulatory and environmental standards. Seagliders contain a suite of early detection and avoidance systems to ensure that birds, whales, and other marine life is kept safe. Seagliders also offer a zero-emission mode of fast and affordable travel. With transportation making up the majority of Rhode Island's energy emissions, seagliders represent a real and effective tool to help Rhode Island meet state sustainability goals which will further protect marine ecosystems.
Seagliders use 100% battery-electric power resulting in zero operational emissions. Even including total lifecycle emissions from battery exchanges and grid power generation, seagliders offer >90% reduction in emissions from other modes of transportation.
With existing battery technology, REGENT seagliders are targeting a 160 nautical mile (approximately 180 sm, 300 km) range and a cruise speed of 160 kt (180 mph, 300 kph). Seagliders will be built with the option to upgrade the battery system as next-generation battery technology matures, allowing for the future of further range extension.
Initiative Partners
RISI brings together local private, government, and nonprofit sector stakeholders across critical workspaces to further accelerate Rhode Island's energy resiliency and clean energy infrastructure through the adoption of seagliders.
