Technology & Innovation
REGENT Viceroy Seaglider Completes Crewed Hydrofoil Trials in 2025
REGENT’s Viceroy seaglider achieves successful hydrofoil trials, advancing electric maritime aviation toward commercial launch by 2026.
REGENT’s Seaglider Hydrofoil Breakthrough: Advancing Electric Maritime Aviation Toward Commercial Reality
REGENT Craft’s successful crewed hydrofoil trials with its Viceroy seaglider prototype mark a pivotal leap in electric maritime aviation, positioning the Rhode Island-based company at the forefront of coastal transportation innovation. Achieved in late June 2025, this milestone is the second of three critical operational modes, following float trials and preceding flight testing, required for the world’s first passenger-carrying seaglider to enter commercial service. With a global order book exceeding $9 billion and a clear regulatory pathway via maritime authorities, REGENT’s approach to ground-effect flight promises to transform regional mobility by merging the speed of aircraft with the convenience and regulatory simplicity of maritime vessels.
The Viceroy seaglider’s recent hydrofoil trials not only validate its technical design but also signal a new era for sustainable, high-speed coastal travel. As battery technology and regulatory frameworks evolve, REGENT’s success may serve as a blueprint for future Electric-Aviation solutions, with implications for both economic development and environmental stewardship.
Revolutionary Technology Foundation and Company Genesis
REGENT Craft was founded in 2020 by Billy Thalheimer and Mike Klinker, both MIT-trained aerospace engineers with backgrounds at Aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing subsidiary. Their vision was to address the limitations of electric aviation, particularly range constraints imposed by current battery technology, by developing a hybrid maritime-aviation vehicle. The result is the seaglider, a ground-effect craft that leverages the physics of flying close to the water’s surface to maximize efficiency.
The core principle behind the seaglider is ground effect: when an aircraft flies within one wingspan of a surface, it benefits from increased lift and reduced drag, effectively doubling the range compared to conventional electric aircraft at higher altitudes. The Viceroy seaglider operates in three modes: floating like a boat, hydrofoiling above the waves for efficient surface transit, and flying in ground effect within 65 feet of the water’s surface. This tri-modal operation is made possible by a team combining aerospace and marine engineering expertise, resulting in a vessel designed from the ground up for maritime environments.
Unlike traditional seaplanes, which are essentially aircraft with floats, the Viceroy is engineered as a maritime vessel with integrated flight capabilities. Its deep V-shaped hull and retractable hydrofoils are optimized for smooth transitions between modes, and its control systems are tailored for both water and air operations. This design philosophy is a direct response to the shortcomings of earlier ground-effect vehicles, such as the Soviet-era ekranoplans, which lacked wave tolerance and maneuverability.
Breakthrough Hydrofoil Testing Achievement
The June 2025 hydrofoil trials in Narragansett Bay validated the Viceroy’s ability to transition from hull-based operation to hydrofoil mode, lifting its 15,000-pound mass above the water on retractable foils. This followed initial float-mode testing in March 2025, where the prototype, dubbed “Paladin,” first entered the water with a crew. During hydrofoil trials, the Viceroy accelerated on its hull, rose onto its foils, maintained stable flight above the surface, and then returned to hull mode, demonstrating the seamless integration of maritime and aerospace technologies.
Co-founder and CTO Mike Klinker described the experience as “surreal,” emphasizing its significance as a milestone for both REGENT and the broader field of electric maritime aviation. The hydrofoil system addresses historical limitations of ground-effect vehicles by enabling stable, efficient operation in varying sea conditions, targeting speeds up to 50 knots, about double that of conventional production hydrofoils.
The successful hydrofoil trials also highlight the practical benefits of this intermediate mode: improved maneuverability, smoother handling in rough seas, and enhanced passenger comfort. These factors are essential for commercial viability and set the stage for the final phase of testing, full ground-effect flight.
“This is a major milestone and a powerful validation of the years of innovation, grit, and world-class engineering our team has poured into this vision.” — Billy Thalheimer, REGENT CEO
Technical Specifications and Operational Capabilities
The Viceroy seaglider is a 55-foot-long vehicle with a 65-foot wingspan, designed to carry 12 passengers or 3,500 pounds of cargo, with a maximum takeoff weight of 15,400 pounds. Its propulsion system employs 12 electric motors (six per wing) powered by advanced batteries, enabling a range of 180 miles with current technology. REGENT anticipates that future battery advancements could extend this range to 400–500 miles.
In ground-effect flight, the Viceroy can reach speeds of up to 180 mph, while its hydrofoil mode targets 50 knots. The low-altitude flight envelope (within one wingspan of the water) not only boosts aerodynamic efficiency but also ensures compatibility with maritime traffic and infrastructure. The composite-intensive construction, in partnership with Moore Brothers Co., provides the necessary structural integrity while minimizing weight.
Advanced control systems enable seamless transitions between float, foil, and fly modes, a capability that distinguishes the Viceroy from previous attempts at ground-effect vehicles. Months of rigorous subsystem testing, including motors, batteries, electronics, and control software, preceded the crewed trials, reflecting REGENT’s commitment to safety and reliability.
Market Demand and Commercial Financial Outlook
REGENT’s market traction is substantial, with over $9 billion in global Orders from more than 600 customers spanning six continents. This demand comes from Airlines, ferry operators, freight companies, and leasing organizations, illustrating the broad appeal of the seaglider concept. Notable customers include Mesa Airlines, Mokulele Airlines, Southern Airways Express, Brittany Ferries, and FRS.
Southern Airways, operating under the Mokulele Airlines brand, is slated to be the first commercial operator, aiming to reduce inter-island travel costs in Hawaii significantly. UrbanLink Air Mobility recently increased its Viceroy order to 47 units, further signaling market confidence. Internationally, New Zealand’s Ocean Flyer and a joint venture in the UAE with Strategic Development Fund highlight the global reach.
REGENT has raised over $100 million in investment from Founders Fund, Lockheed Martin, Japan Airlines Innovation Fund, Hawaiian Airlines, and others. The company projects an $11 billion addressable market, potentially expanding to $25 billion as battery technology improves. The economic case extends beyond passenger transport to include cargo, emergency response, and defense applications, with the U.S. Marine Corps already partnering for logistics and search and rescue missions.
“86% of coastal residents would be interested in using seagliders for regional coastal travel.” — REGENT global survey
Regulatory Framework and Certification Pathway
One of REGENT’s key advantages is its regulatory strategy. The Viceroy qualifies as a Type A Wing-In-Ground Effect (WIG) craft under International Maritime Organization guidelines, allowing it to be certified by maritime authorities rather than aviation agencies. In the U.S., the Coast Guard oversees certification, and REGENT submitted its Design Basis Agreement (DBA) in March 2025, outlining how the seaglider meets safety standards equivalent to traditional vessels.
The Coast Guard’s approval of the DBA, expected by mid-2025, will allow REGENT to proceed to the final design and inspection phase. Recent federal legislation also requires the FAA and Coast Guard to clarify their roles regarding WIG vehicles, potentially streamlining regulatory oversight. For international operations, REGENT has partnered with Lloyd’s Register to ensure compliance with regional maritime authorities.
Maritime regulation offers more flexibility and lower costs compared to aviation certification, focusing on structural soundness, technical standards, and equipment requirements. This pathway is essential for the economic viability of seagliders, enabling faster deployment and broader market access.
Manufacturing Infrastructure and Production Timeline
REGENT is building a 255,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at Quonset Business Park in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, scheduled to be operational by mid-2026. This site will handle component manufacturing, final assembly, and pre-delivery testing, leveraging Rhode Island’s maritime composites expertise and coastal testing environments.
The facility is expected to create 300 jobs initially, with the potential to grow to 750 over the next decade, supported by state incentives totaling up to $17 million. Its location near established defense and marine manufacturers provides access to a skilled workforce and specialized suppliers.
Internationally, a joint venture with Abu Dhabi’s Strategic Development Fund will establish manufacturing, maintenance, and training capabilities in the UAE, supporting Middle East operations and expanding REGENT’s global footprint. First Viceroy deliveries are targeted for 2026–2027, with Mokulele Airlines expected to be the launch operator.
Industry Context and Future Outlook
REGENT’s seaglider development is part of a broader movement toward electric aviation and sustainable transportation. Unlike most advanced air mobility initiatives focused on urban environments, REGENT addresses coastal markets, leveraging existing maritime infrastructure and regulatory pathways. Its technical approach overcomes the range limitations of battery-powered aircraft and the operational shortcomings of historic ground-effect vehicles.
Strategic Partnerships with airlines and ferry operators, along with strong backing from aerospace and transportation investors, validate REGENT’s market positioning. As battery technology advances and regulatory clarity improves, the company is poised to scale operations both domestically and internationally.
The economic and technological ripple effects of REGENT’s success could establish Rhode Island as a global hub for the blue economy, attract further investment, and serve as a model for sustainable regional transportation worldwide.
“REGENT is a true Rhode Island success story and a cornerstone of our state’s blue economy future.” — K. Joseph Shekarchi, Rhode Island House Speaker
Conclusion
REGENT’s hydrofoil trials mark a watershed moment for electric maritime aviation, validating the technical and commercial viability of the seaglider platform. With regulatory approval on the horizon, a robust manufacturing pipeline, and strong market demand, REGENT is on track to launch commercial operations by mid-decade. The company’s integrated approach, melding aerospace and maritime technologies, has overcome historical barriers and set a new standard for innovation in coastal transportation.
Looking ahead, continued advancements in battery technology, regulatory frameworks, and international partnerships will shape the seaglider’s trajectory. As REGENT moves toward flight testing and commercial deployment, its achievements may not only redefine coastal mobility but also catalyze broader shifts toward sustainable, high-speed regional travel.
FAQ
What is a seaglider?
A seaglider is an electric ground-effect vehicle that operates over water in three modes: floating, hydrofoiling, and flying close to the water’s surface, combining features of boats and aircraft.
How fast and how far can the Viceroy seaglider travel?
The Viceroy can reach speeds up to 180 mph in flight mode and 50 knots in hydrofoil mode, with a current range of 180 miles, expected to increase as battery technology advances.
How is the seaglider regulated?
The Viceroy is certified as a maritime vessel (Type A WIG craft) by the U.S. Coast Guard and other maritime authorities, not by aviation regulators, allowing for a more streamlined and cost-effective certification process.
When will commercial operations begin?
Commercial deliveries are targeted for 2026–2027, with Mokulele Airlines in Hawaii expected to be the first operator.
What markets are targeted for seaglider deployment?
REGENT’s initial markets include coastal passenger transport, cargo, emergency response, and defense, with customers and partners across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania.
Sources: Aviation Week, Regent
Photo Credit: REGENT
Technology & Innovation
REGENT Craft Opens Seaglider Manufacturing Facility in Rhode Island
REGENT Craft opened its 255,000-sq-ft Rhode Island facility on Sept 30, 2026, targeting serial production and late 2027 deliveries.
REGENT Craft officially opened its 255,000-square-foot Seaglider Manufacturing Facility in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, on September 30, 2026, marking the transition from prototyping to serial production for its all-electric maritime vessels.
The facility opening, supported by a recent $240 million Series B funding round, featured the first public live flight demonstration of the company’s 12-passenger Viceroy prototype and autonomous Squire drone. In a press release issued to coincide with the event, the company outlined its path toward initial customer deliveries in late 2027.
Scaling manufacturing capacity
The ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1 Seaglider Way in the Quonset Business Park drew more than 600 attendees. Notable participants included U.S. Representative Gabe Amo, Kamio Ao of Japan Airlines, Stephen Edwards, CEO of Hornblower, Steven King, Managing Director of the Quonset Development Corporation, and Admiral Butch Dollaga (Ret.), Operating Partner at AE Industrial Partners. The event occurred less than a month after the Viceroy prototype achieved its first ground effect flight on September 9, 2026.
With the new facility operational, REGENT aims to reach an annual production rate of 75 Viceroy vessels and 300 Squire drones at full capacity. The company has raised $340 million in total capital to date, including the recent $240 million Series B round, to support this industrialization effort.
“We proved the technology and the demand; now we build. With $340 million raised to date and 1 Seaglider Way officially open, we’re moving from prototype to production and putting Seaglider vessels in customers’ hands. This is what reindustrializing America looks like: a cutting-edge facility, a first-rate team, and a product the world wants,” said Billy Thalheimer, Co-founder and CEO of REGENT Craft.
Expanding defense partnerships
Alongside its commercial manufacturing milestones, REGENT is expanding its footprint in the defense sector. On October 1, 2026, the company announced a $5 million Phase IV contract extension with the U.S. Marine Corps Warfighting Lab. This extension brings the total value of the contract to $19.25 million.
The extended agreement focuses on demonstrating the full-scale Viceroy prototype in operationally relevant conditions. It also covers the integration of seagliders into military command-and-control systems, evaluating the technology for expeditionary logistics and over-water transport missions.
Thalheimer noted the rapid progression of the military partnership in a statement regarding the contract extension. He stated that what began as a feasibility question has evolved into a real operational program, indicating the trajectory of the technology.
Wing-in-ground-effect technology and market position
Founded by Billy Thalheimer and Mike Klinker, REGENT develops wing-in-ground-effect (WIG) craft designed to provide fast, low-cost, zero-emission coastal transportation. The seagliders operate in three distinct modes. They float on their hulls at the dock, transition onto hydrofoils as speed increases, and fly just above the water’s surface within a wingspan of the water during cruise. Because they operate exclusively over water, the vessels fall under maritime jurisdiction rather than aviation regulations.
The company has amassed a commercial order book valued at $10 billion across six continents. Customers and partners include Ocean Flyer in New Zealand, Japan Airlines, and Hornblower.
The opening of the North Kingstown facility follows a structured development timeline. The final structural beam was installed on November 14, 2025, and the company announced the completion of the building at the Reindustrialize conference in Detroit on June 16, 2026. The focus now shifts to fulfilling the order book, with targeted first customer deliveries of the 12-passenger Viceroy Seaglider scheduled for late 2027.
AirPro News analysis
REGENT’s transition into a dedicated 255,000-square-foot production facility represents a critical maturation point for the modern wing-in-ground-effect sector. While WIG concepts have existed for decades, they have historically struggled to bridge the gap between experimental prototypes and serial manufacturing. By securing $340 million in capital and establishing a $10 billion order book, REGENT has built a financial foundation that previous WIG developers lacked.
The dual-use strategy is equally significant. The $19.25 million U.S. Marine Corps contract provides non-dilutive funding and operational validation while the commercial side navigates the maritime regulatory framework. Operating under maritime rather than aviation jurisdiction allows REGENT to bypass the lengthy certification processes required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), potentially accelerating the path to market for coastal transport operators. We view the concurrent advancement of the commercial manufacturing base and the military operational testing as a strong indicator of the platform’s viability.
Photo Credit: REGENT Craft
Sustainable Aviation
SABA Members Back Infinium eSAF Facility With Long-Term Deals
Google, McKinsey, and others sign binding SAFc agreements to support Infinium Energy’s 100,000 MT/year Texas eSAF project.
Corporate members of the Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance (SABA) have signed binding, multi-year agreements to purchase sustainable aviation fuel certificates (SAFc) from Infinium Energy’s planned electro-sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF) facility in Texas. The commitments, announced on September 22, 2026, are designed to provide the financial demand signals necessary for Infinium to reach a final investment decision on the project.
In a press release issued by SABA, the organization confirmed that American Airlines (AA) will serve as the physical offtaker for the fuel, managing logistics and delivery. The corporate buyers purchasing the associated certificates include AVEVA, Bain & Company, Google, and McKinsey & Company. The agreement marks the first time SABA’s procurement model has been utilized to directly drive new production capacity for scalable sustainable aviation fuel.
Project Atlas production and environmental targets
Infinium Energy was selected through a SABA procurement process earlier in 2026 to provide ultra-low carbon eSAF. The fuel is produced using waste carbon dioxide and renewable energy, distinguishing it from traditional biofuel pathways that rely on agricultural or waste feedstocks.
The planned Texas facility, designated Project Atlas, is expected to have an annual sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production capacity of 100,000 metric tons. According to the alliance, the contracted volumes will support an expected greenhouse gas abatement of 212,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (mtCO2e). SABA equates this emissions reduction to approximately 3,500 commercial flights between John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
“We’re proud to partner with SABA members including AVEVA, Bain & Company, Google, McKinsey, and others, as well as American Airlines to bring Infinium Energy’s next world scale eSAF facility to life. Their commitment reflects a shared conviction that decarbonizing aviation requires real investment in next-generation supply,” said Robert Schuetzle, CEO of Infinium Energy.
Aggregating demand through book-and-claim
The transaction utilizes a book-and-claim model. Corporate buyers purchase the SAFc to claim the environmental benefits against their business travel emissions, while the physical fuel is delivered to partner airlines. This mechanism allows corporations to fund SAF production even when the physical fuel cannot be delivered directly to the airports their employees use.
American Airlines will manage the physical integration of the eSAF into the commercial aviation fuel supply chain. Jill Blickstein, Chief Sustainability Officer at American Airlines, stated that the corporate commitments broaden participation in the SAF market and demonstrate how customers can collaborate with airlines and fuel producers to advance decarbonization.
SABA, a joint initiative of the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), the Center for Green Market Activation (GMA), and RMI, has aggregated $500 million in SAFc demand from 35 companies to date. Aviation currently accounts for approximately 2 to 3 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
“Novel technologies are critical to meeting future demand for sustainable aviation fuel, but they will not be operational in time without investments made today. This procurement demonstrates how aggregated, long-term demand can help take promising eSAF projects from idea to reality,” said Jon Creyts, CEO of RMI.
AirPro News analysis
We view this agreement as a critical structural step for the eSAF market. Power-to-Liquid (PtL) fuels like those planned for Project Atlas face a steep commercialization barrier. They are highly capital-intensive to build and currently produce fuel at a significant cost premium compared to both conventional Jet A and HEFA-based SAF derived from waste fats and oils.
Airlines operate on thin margins and generally cannot absorb the full green premium of eSAF alone. By unbundling the environmental attributes from the physical fuel, the SABA model allows highly capitalized corporate entities like Google and McKinsey & Company to absorb that premium. More importantly, signing binding, multi-year offtake agreements provides the revenue certainty that infrastructure lenders require before financing first-of-a-kind industrial facilities. If Project Atlas reaches a positive final investment decision based on these contracts, it will validate the book-and-claim model as a viable financing mechanism for next-generation aerospace infrastructure.
Sources: Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance via PR Newswire
Photo Credit: Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance
Technology & Innovation
Skyfly Axe eVTOL to Debut at AirVenture as FAA MOSAIC Takes Effect
Skyfly Technologies will showcase the Axe eVTOL at EAA AirVenture 2026, aligned with the FAA MOSAIC Phase 2 LSA certification rule.
UK and US-based aerospace manufacturer Skyfly Technologies Ltd announced on June 15, 2026, that it will debut its Axe Vertically Capable Aircraft at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, aligning with the final implementation of the Federal Aviation Administration’s new light sport aircraft regulations.
In a press release, the company stated the July 20 to 26, 2026 exhibition coincides directly with the July 24, 2026 effective date for Phase 2 of the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rule. This regulatory shift provides a viable certification pathway for personal electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft by allowing them to be classified as Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) rather than requiring complex transport-category type certification.
Aligning with the MOSAIC framework
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published the final MOSAIC rule in the Federal Register on July 24, 2025, with Phase 1 taking effect in October 2025. The upcoming Phase 2 implementation replaces the legacy 1,320-pound weight limit for the LSA category with performance-based metrics, such as stall speed limits. This officially permits powered-lift aircraft to qualify for LSA certification, allowing manufacturers to utilize industry consensus standards.
Skyfly Chief Executive Officer Michael Thompson highlighted the regulatory alignment between the company’s design philosophy and the new FAA framework.
“The timing could not be better. The Axe was conceived around a simple idea: that personal vertical flight can be safe and accessible when simplicity, efficiency and redundancy are built into the design. MOSAIC creates a framework that recognizes those principles.”
Prior to the MOSAIC framework, manufacturers of personal eVTOLs faced the prospect of pursuing transport-category type certification. Thompson noted that the special conditions for vertically capable aircraft were designed for transport-level operations, describing the legacy requirement as “completely overkill” for light sport applications.
Axe VCA development and specifications
The Axe Vertically Capable Aircraft (VCA) is a two-seat personal eVTOL intended for private ownership rather than commercial air taxi operations. Designed by Chief Technology Officer Dr. William Brooks, the aircraft utilizes a dual-wing canard design equipped with eight electric motors driving four rotors, generating 280 kW of peak power.
According to company specifications, the Axe has a maximum all-up weight of 690 kg and a payload capacity of 172 kg. The aircraft is designed to achieve a fully electric range of 100 miles and a cruise speed of 100 mph.
Skyfly, headquartered in Oxfordshire, UK, with a US office at SunTrax in Auburndale, Florida, has accumulated 57 customer orders for the Axe as of May 2026.
Flight testing progression and future targets
Founded in 2019, Skyfly has advanced the Axe through multiple testing phases. The aircraft completed its initial manned hover flights in November 2024, followed by piloted fixed-wing test flights in March 2025. In August 2025, the prototype executed a 10-nautical-mile cross-country flight between Turweston and Bicester in the UK, marking a milestone for airfield-to-airfield eVTOL operations in Europe.
The company is currently preparing for transition flight testing to evaluate the shift between vertical and forward flight. Skyfly is also developing a second prototype in the UK, which will feature a new propulsion system and a larger battery to mitigate thermal limitations identified during earlier hover tests. Testing of this upgraded propulsion package is scheduled to begin in late 2026, with the company targeting initial customer deliveries in 2027.
AirPro News analysis
The implementation of the FAA MOSAIC rule represents a structural shift for the lower end of the advanced air mobility market. By removing the prohibitive cost barrier of transport-category type certification, regulators are opening a viable commercial path for private-use eVTOLs. We expect this regulatory clarity to accelerate development timelines for manufacturers like Skyfly, shifting the competitive focus from certification strategy to production scaling and consumer adoption. The presence of the Axe at EAA AirVenture, an event expected to draw 700,000 attendees, signals a deliberate pivot toward the traditional general aviation consumer base, testing whether the experimental and light sport communities are ready to embrace powered-lift technology.
Photo Credit: Skyfly
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