First Flight of World’s First Full-Scale Crewed Seaglider

03/26/2025
By Regent

The Rhode Island-based developer and manufacturer has completed the prototype’s first human-powered above-water tests, kicking off a test campaign that will culminate in the first manned seaglider flight by mid-year.

REGENT has orders from customers worldwide exceeding $9 billion.

REGENT Craft, a Rhode Island-based developer and manufacturer of all-electric seagliders, today unveiled the world’s first full-scale crewed seaglider and completed its first above-water tests, demonstrating successful technical validation of its new manned watercraft and marking a significant moment in transportation history.

At 55 ft long and with a wingspan of 65 ft, the 12-passenger Viceroy seaglider prototype is the largest all-electric flying machine ever and represents a new form of transportation.

The high-speed vessel operates in only three modes on the water: floating on the hull, flying above the waves on underwater wings, and flying in ground effect within a wingspan of the water’s surface.

In naval tradition, REGENT named the vessel “Paladin” before launching it in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. REGENT test captains, who have officially begun sea trials, have completed the first of a series of above-water tests that will culminate in the first human seaglider flight by mid-year.

The sea trials follow months of rigorous subsystem testing of critical onboard systems, including engines, batteries, electronics, mechanical systems, and vehicle control software. “It was surreal to step off the dock and board the Viceroy seaglider prototype for the first time,” said Mike Klinker, REGENT’s Co-Founder and CTO. “I was honored to be in the cockpit when it first left the dock and began sea trials. This was the maiden voyage of a ship destined to transform mobility—the era of seagliders began.”

“Sea trials are just the beginning,” said REGENT Co-Founder and CEO Billy Thalheimer. “This is the first step toward delivering Viceroy paragliders to every corner of the world and filling our global order book. Achieving this historic milestone in just four years since our founding is a true testament to the dedication of our world-class team and partners worldwide. Today, we are one step closer to confirming the tremendous global market demand for paragliders.”