The world’s first full-scale electric sea plane began its official test flights with passengers this week. This innovative vehicle, capable of both flying and gliding on water, is set to shape the future of maritime transportation.
The Age of Sea Planes Has Started
Mike Klinker, CTO and co-founder of REGENT, announced this week that the first surface tests were successfully completed, stating, “The era of sea parachutes has begun,” marking an important milestone. Since 2020, REGENT has been developing electric sea planes, and in just four years, they have begun testing full-scale prototypes on water.
With strong backing from investors such as Mark Cuban, Peter Thiel, and Lockheed Martin, REGENT’s sea planes have secured orders exceeding $9 billion across six continents. The company’s founders, Billy Thalheimer and Mike Klinker, are both MIT Aerospace Engineering graduates who previously worked at Boeing’s subsidiary, Aurora Flight Sciences.
How Do Electric Sea Planes Work?
Sea planes stand out as an innovative mode of transport that allows travel at aircraft speeds while maintaining the comfort of a boat. They operate in three different modes:
- Swimming on the body: Moves on the water’s surface during take-off and landing.
- Rising above the water with hydrofoils: Moves with low friction, without touching the water.
- Flying within wing span: Fully lifts off from the water surface and travels at high speeds.
Viceroy: The Electric Sea Plane of the Future
REGENT has developed the Viceroy sea plane, introduced as a prototype with a capacity for 12 passengers. This model, which is 55 feet (about 17 meters) long and has a wingspan of 65 feet (about 20 meters), holds the title of the largest fully electric “flying machine” developed so far. Its size is similar to that of a typical personal aircraft.
Initially named “Paladin,” the prototype was tested in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. Following the completion of the first tests, additional passenger flights are planned for mid-year.
180-Mile Range with Electric Battery
According to REGENT’s data, the electric sea plane is capable of reaching speeds of 180 miles (156 knots) with a 120 kW electric motor and has a range of 180 miles (156 nautical miles). With the development of next-generation battery technologies, it is expected to reach ranges exceeding 400 nautical miles in the coming years.
Manufacturing Facilities Under Construction
In January, REGENT broke ground on a 255,000 ft² manufacturing facility in Rhode Island, where the sea planes will be produced. The facility is planned to begin operations next year. The company has received over $90 million in investment for the development process and is collaborating with the U.S. Marine Corps to use the vehicles for defense purposes.
