Could Electric Seagliders Transform Coastal Travel?

Welcome to Thomas Insights — every day, we publish the latest news and analysis to keep our readers up to date on what’s happening in industry. Sign up here to get the day’s top stories delivered straight to your inbox.

The quest for low-emissions air transport makes a lot of sense. After all, according to the EPA, aviation is responsible for about 10% of all transportation emissions globally — which is good for more than 900 million tons of CO2. Perhaps this is what fueled Boston, Massachusetts-based REGENT to develop what they describe as a new category of vehicle called a seaglider.

The zero-emission, all-electric, wing-in-ground vehicle is designed to operate exclusively over water and is being positioned as an environmentally-friendly solution for reducing the time, cost, and carbon footprint of moving people and goods between coastal cities.

REGENT’s first seaglider, which they’ve dubbed the Viceroy, can float on its v-shaped hull or reach speeds of up to 40 knots while on the water via the use of retractable rear hydrofoils and eight electric motors. Once it becomes airborne, the aircraft can reach speeds of up to 160 knots. In working to optimize its power, the seaglider only elevates a few meters off the surface of the water, relying on the ground effect phenomenon that creates a cushion of air on which to fly.

The hydrofoils, distributed electric propulsion system, and fly-by-wire controls are meant to ensure safer harbor maneuvering and wave tolerance without sacrificing passenger comfort. The company also highlights its use of the Siemens Xcelerator software portfolio in helping to refine the seaglider’s design.

According to REGENT, 40% of the global population lives in coastal communities, meaning the 12-passenger Viceroy could potentially offer expanded transportation and logistics services to these areas. It currently offers a 180-mile battery range but could see that expanded to 500 miles with the next generation of batteries currently in development. While no pricing information is currently available, REGENT is targeting a 2025 launch for the Viceroy.

Image Credit: Regent

More from Engineering & Design