The REGENT Viceroy "seaglider" is a proposed electric-powered wing-in-ground-effect vehicle under development by REGENT Craft Inc. of Rhode Island, (REGENT is capitalized because it is an acronym, standing for "Regional Electric Ground Effect Nautical Transport"). 12 passengers will be carried on flights of up to 180 miles (290 km) over coastal waters, with retractable hydrofoils used during the take-off run. Customer deliveries are expected to commence in 2026 to 2027. A 1/4 scale model was successfully demonstrated in 2022 in Narragansett Bay, and a full-scale, crewed prototype was spotted conducting sea trials there during the week of September 15, 2025 as testing continues. Announced customers include New Zealand's Ocean Flyer, Brittany Ferries in Europe and US carriers Mesa Airlines, Mokulele Airlines and Southern Airways Express. A feasibility study for use in the Scottish islands is also planned.
Regulation question It is unclear whether the vehicle would be classified as a marine vessel or an aircraft. In the former case, regulation in United States waters would fall entirely to the US Coast Guard, whereas in the latter the Federal Aviation Administration would also be involved – which would require more arduous and expensive certification.
Specification Data from REGENTGeneral characteristics Crew: 2 Capacity: 12 passengers or 3,500 pounds (1,600 kg) cargo Length: 57.5 ft (17.5 m) Wingspan: 65 ft (20 m) Height: 15.5 ft (4.7 m) Max takeoff weight: 15,400 lb (6,985 kg) Performance
Maximum speed: 180 mph (290 km/h, 160 kn) Range: 180 mi (290 km, 160 nmi)
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