Regent Craft’s all-electric Viceroy sea glider prototype has been tested in Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay, where it demonstrated its hydrofoil capabilities.
As Boston.com reported, the Paladin, as this particular version is called, passed sailboats and fishing trawlers in the area and produced an unusual sight.
The watercraft resembles an airplane, with a wingspan of 65 feet with 12 small propellers and a pontoon under each wing tip. With three modes—float, foil, and fly—it’s designed to hover about 30 feet above water, float on its hull, and glide along the surface with hydrofoils.
“Five years ago, we had this vision for a sea glider – something that was as fast as an aircraft and as easy to control as a boat,” CEO Billy Thalheimer said after the successful hours-long test he piloted.
Regent’s Viceroy sees the sea glider as a new form of coastal and military transportation, the report noted. It has already submitted a design framework agreement to the US Coast Guard for certification.
Thalheimer met co-founder Mike Klinker at MIT and later worked together at Boeing before starting Regent in 2020. The test phase of the hydrofoils began this summer after extensive engineering research and development, according to the report.
The sea glider should be able to use existing dock infrastructure, including charging stations, to charge its battery system, thus reducing the use of dirty fuels that are still heavily used in the marine industry.
Burning oil, gas and coal releases heat-trapping gases that contribute to global warming. This increases the intensity and duration of extreme weather events, melts ice caps and disrupts ecosystems, among other problems.
Meanwhile, fuel leaks from watercraft can adversely affect aquatic habitats and contaminate water sources. Electric transport alternatives reduce these problems.
As it moves away from land, the Paladin can switch to its hydrofoil system, allowing it to travel at speeds of up to 50 mph—similar to other hydrofoils—with less drag and greater efficiency.
|
Would you sail in a floating airship? absolutely Depends on how much it costs Depends on what it’s made of No thanks Click on your choice to see the results and have your say. |
A smaller model has already been tested and flown, but the 12-passenger Paladin prototype isn’t expected to take off until this fall, when tests are planned off the coast of Rhode Island.
It is expected to reach a speed of 180 miles per hour in the air and a range of about 180 miles from its electric battery system.
Paladin can carry up to 12 passengers and two crew members. Viceroy models have a payload of 3,500 pounds and can fly 30 decibels quieter than an airplane or helicopter, according to EE Power.
This means less noise pollution for nearby residents and a zero-emissions alternative for short coastal journeys. Boston.com added that this could cut the travel time between Rhode Island and New York to one hour, instead of a three-hour train ride.
Regent, which stands for Regional Electric Surface Shipping, already has financial backing from influential investors, including Mark Cuban.
Paladin is another example of how innovative technology can make a huge impact in reducing transport-related pollution.
On land, electric cars are a much cleaner option than vehicles powered by conventional internal combustion engines, and electric cars can also save drivers fuel and maintenance costs.
Charging at home is cheaper than using public chargers, and Qmerit can help drivers install Level 2 EV chargers with a free instant installation estimate.
For even more savings, combine an EV charger with home solar panels. This technology can reduce vehicle refueling costs and lower monthly energy bills.
EnergySage makes it easy to compare prices from verified local solar installers, saving customers up to $10,000 in installation costs.
Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improve our lives and shaping our futureand don’t miss this great list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.