Electric seaglider for sustainable short-range transport

A prototype of a brand new zero-emission aircraft concept is ready for testing on the US east coast. The electric Viceroy seaglider plane by Regent Craft flies between 3-10m above the water’s surface. The hybrid boat-plane operates from docks instead of airports.

FlightGlobal reports that the smallest battery-powered plane of the range can carry up to 12 passengers and two crew. The seaglider will be easily convertible for freight. Regent hopes to have it ready for service by 2025. Initially, it will reach up to 300km/h and a range of up to 300km. The range will improve with battery technology. Regent Craft is also working on a 50-100 seat seaglider, targeted for certification and service entry.

The electric seaglider has secured a number of airline commitments over recent months, like Mokulele Airlines, New Zealand start-up Ocean Flyer, Mesa Group and New York’s Fly the Whale. The glider is an interesting means of transportation for coastal markets, or destinations divided by water, from urban harbours to islands, they are taking off.