Regent's Electric Boat/Aircraft: First Flight

On September 2nd, two captains in Rhode Island lifted a peculiar craft 33 feet off the water, staying there for 30 seconds. The vehicle — and no ordinary one, at that — is Regent's Viceroy, an all-electric seaplane that has launched a new mode of travel.

The all-electric Viceroy — a boat meets air

The Viceroy is a hybrid, capable of moving like both a boat and a plane — but it cannot technically be called either. The vehicle is categorized somewhere between the two — and it's called a sea glider. These electric-vehicle boats travel on the surface of water, lift vertically and fly when they reach a certain speed — and all from the surface. For the Viceroy, this kind of travel is called the ground effect mode (GEM). To move, the Viceroy progresses in three stages. First, it launches from the hull like any other boat would, and then it rises to lift the body clear of the water. At that point, the wave drag no longer applies. When it reaches the third stage, it flies with a small margin between the water and its wings. The Viceroy is a marvel of modern engineering, and its design and functioning are unique. The craft boasts 12 electric motors along the wing’s leading edge and a triple-redundant fly-by-wire system to keep things stable. Regulation differentiates the Viceroy from other aircraft as well as it it “floats” within one wingspan of the surface, meaning it is classified as a vessel by the US Coast Guard rather than an aircraft by the FAA.

Flying to face climate change

The Viceroy's emergence couldn't be more timely. Traditional seaplanes, which have a history dating back to the 1920s, are known for their high noise levels and fuel emissions, while ships emit 3% of global CO2. These problems align with the rising thirst for climate-friendly solutions. While the Viceroy cannot compete with full-size ships, it can catch up to them in terms of travel range and speed. The Viceroy helps solve the transport problem with growing capacity. The aircraft is built for twelve passengers and two crew on board. The electric motors help with flexibility and are the reason why the models have a range spanning miles of territory.

The triple play of staying afloat

The Viceroy's aerial flight capability is based on the 'ground effect' principle. The 'ground effect' is a physical term that describes how it is simpler to lift the wing due to the cushion of air underneath to achieve more lift or how air is trapped under the wings to provide a smoother ride. The Viceroy’s electric engines lie along the leading edge of the wing providing extra lift. This arrangement makes the Viceroy efficient by reducing the energy required to stay aloft. Because the aircraft never leaves the ground effect, it can cover large distances without the need for an intensive electric charge, reducing overall energy consumption.

What powers the Viceroy — the propellers inside

The Viceroy relies on a total of 12 electric motors. These motors are embedded along the leading edge of the wing. The motors are essential as they drive the craft through the water and air. They are paired with a triple-redundant fly-by-wire system which manages the pitch, roll, and altitude ensuring a smooth flight.

The Viceroy as a maritime marvel

The Viceroy's safety can be attributed to its triple-redundant fly-by-wire system. This system holds the aircraft steady in the air. The automation is also responsible for the craft’s stability and control. The Viceroy is flown by certified mariners, not pilots. The transition from mariner to pilot could provide even more employment opportunities for those already trained in maritime navigation.

Surfing the skies

Those looking for a new experience will likely find the Viceroy alluring. It could be your next quiet, efficient seaplane ride. Confident that you might enjoy the Viceroy?

• Be ready to glide: You cannot pilot the Viceroy unless you are certified as a mariner.
• Expect a smooth ride: Triple redundancy and stable air sheets underneath the wings support the Viceroy's design.
• Stay close to the surface: Understand the ground effect and how the Viceroy works.
• Enjoy an eco-friendly trip: Low fuel use and noise are included as benefits of the electric power system.
• Location matters: Viceroy rides could be as close as Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island, as this is the reasoning behind it being named the best location for testing and operating.

The future of Regent electric vehicles

The Viceroy is already making waves. Regent, the manufacturer of the Viceroy, has a massive 255,000 square foot factory in Rhode Island. With order books spanning six continents and a major operator in the US, the company has already set a high demand for the craft. It's ready to sail the seven seas with the promise of a more sustainable travel experience.