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On March 6,  (REGENT, North Kingstown, R.I., U.S.) revealed its first full-scale, composites-intensive crewed seaglider and completed first on-water tests, showcasing the successful technical validation of the novel maritime vessel with humans on board.

The 12-passenger all-electric Viceroy seaglider prototype is 55 feet long with a 65-foot wingspan. The high-speed vessel operates exclusively over water in three modes — floating on the hull, foiling above the waves on hydrofoils and flying in ground effect within one wingspan of the surface of the water.

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In maritime tradition, REGENT christened the vessel, named Paladin, before lowering it into Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. Officially commencing sea trials, REGENT test captains completed the first in a series of on-water tests that will culminate in the first human seaglider flight mid-year. Sea trials follow months of rigorous sub-system testing of the critical onboard systems, including motors, batteries, electronics, mechanical systems and vehicle control software.‍

Since REGENT’s founding in 2020, the company has made rapid progress toward market entry for the Viceroy seaglider. “Sea trials are just the beginning,” says Billy Thalheimer, REGENT co-founder and CEO.

The company successfully flew its quarter-scale seaglider prototype in 2022, validating its technological approach to redefining wing-in-ground craft (WIGs), vessels that operate in ground effect low over the surface of the water. REGENT’s solution is reported to unlock new efficiencies for coastal transportation, providing a low-cost, convenient option for use cases including passenger travel, cargo transport and emergency response.

In January 2025, REGENT broke ground on a 255,000-square-foot seaglider manufacturing facility in the Quonset Business Park in Rhode Island, expected to come online in 2026. In February, REGENT signed an agreement with Strategic Development Fund (SDF), an Abu Dhabi-based investment company and part of Edge Group, to establish a joint venture that will bring seaglider manufacturing capabilities, maintenance services and crew training to the United Arab Emirates.

High market demand has resulted in REGENT building a global order book worth more than $9 billion across six continents, as well as developing partnerships across government offices, businesses and community groups in coastal regions around the world to facilitate market entry. REGENT continues to advance its dual-use mission with the U.S. Marine Corps, continuing its partnership in developing the seaglider’s maritime defense, logistics, and search-and-rescue capabilities.