Meet the Viceroy: The 180 mph Electric Vessel Set to Revolutionize Water Travel

The world’s first full-scale electric seaglider has officially hit the seas, successfully completing its initial tests with passengers onboard this week.

This groundbreaking vessel, developed by REGENT, marks a significant milestone in the evolution of transportation, boasting the combined advantages of airplane speed and boat convenience.

After launching their prototype, named “Viceroy,” the company is set to pave the way for faster, more accessible travel over water.

The company currently boasts a backlog of orders valued at over $9 billion

The Viceroy is a 12-passenger prototype measuring 55 feet in length and featuring a wingspan of 65 feet. It can reach speeds of up to 180 mph and has an operational range of 180 nautical miles on its current electric battery system.

REGENT has ambitious plans to enhance the seaglider’s capabilities, anticipating that next-generation batteries will enable the vessels to achieve over 400 nautical miles within the next few years.

Founded by MIT graduates Billy Thalheimer and Mike Klinker, REGENT began its venture into electric seagliders in 2020, and its efforts have garnered significant backing from high-profile investors, including Mark Cuban and Peter Thiel.

The company currently boasts a backlog of orders valued at over $9 billion, reflecting a strong demand for this innovative mode of transportation across six continents.

The seaglider operates in three modes: floating on its hull, flying above the water using hydrofoils, and gliding just over the surface. This multi-functional approach promises to revolutionize water travel, offering a solution not only for commercial use but also for potential military applications in collaboration with entities like the U.S. Marine Corps.

REGENT is also expanding its operations, having commenced construction on a 255,000 square-foot manufacturing facility in Rhode Island, set to begin production next year. As the company moves forward with additional passenger flights planned for mid-year, the era of seagliders appears to be rapidly approaching.