A Seaglider Aiming to Reshape Coastal Travel and Warfare

In North Kingstown, Rhode Island, a unique vessel is being developed that could revolutionize coastal transportation and potentially serve as a new type of warship. The company, Regent Craft, is behind the creation of the Paladin, a seaglider with a 65-foot wingspan and twelve propellers. The craft is designed to travel on the water's surface, rise on hydrofoils, and eventually soar above the water.

float, foil, and fly. During testing, the craft initially operates like a standard boat. As it moves away from the dock, it rises on hydrofoils, enabling it to reach speeds exceeding 50 miles per hour. The ultimate goal is for the Paladin to fly approximately 30 feet above the water at speeds up to 180 miles per hour, utilizing the "ground effect" to conserve energy, similar to how certain birds glide.

The potential applications of the Paladin are diverse. It could significantly reduce travel times, such as a trip from Rhode Island to New York City, which could be completed in just an hour. Regent is actively seeking customers for commercial ferry routes in various locations, including Florida, Hawaii, Japan, and the Persian Gulf. Additionally, the company is collaborating with the U.S. Marines to adapt the vessels for island-hopping troop transport in the Pacific.

The project has garnered support from prominent investors, including Peter Thiel and Mark Cuban. The founders, Billy Thalheimer and Mike Klinker, aim to revive the comfort and efficiency of 1930s-era flying boats. The Paladin, a prototype of the Viceroy product line, is undergoing testing, with passenger service anticipated to begin by 2027.

The International Maritime Organization classifies these "wing-in-ground-effect" vehicles as ships, not aircraft. The Coast Guard follows a similar approach, treating them as marine vessels. The primary technical challenge lies in transitioning from foiling to flying, which requires the propellers to generate high lift at low speeds.

Regent is also exploring the potential of its seagliders for military applications. The company is presenting its craft to the U.S. government as a means of transporting troops and cargo across island chains in the Indo-Pacific region. The vessels could also be used for intelligence gathering, anti-submarine warfare, and as a base for drones and medical evacuations.

While the U.S. military has expressed interest, questions remain regarding the detectability, stability, and cost-effectiveness of the seagliders. The commercial possibilities are also significant, with Miami being considered as a hub for coastal ferry trips. Regent views its vehicles as complementary to other electric hydrofoil startups, offering different trip lengths and utilizing the same infrastructure.