Regent Craft is marking a new chapter in its global leadership with a new strategic partnership. Amid this wave of technology, Japan's giants are keenly aware of the infinite possibilities of this innovative technology in the field of efficient, zero-emission travel, and are eager to share the sweet fruits of this feast. Soon, Regent's offshore electric hydrofoil ground glider will provide clean, fast passenger service off the coast of Japan and beyond.
1/4 scale technology demonstrator
Regent, based in Rhode Island, USA, has successfully sold hundreds of gliders to operators around the world. This month, a strategic investment will bring this futuristic vehicle/ground effect vessel to passengers in Japan. The name behind it is MOL (Mitsui O.S.K. Lines-) shipping company, a shipping giant that often makes headlines for its association with innovative green ships.
The actual investment came from MOL's US-based venture capital firm MOL Switch, which will open new doors for glider transportation in Japan and other coastal areas. This latest investment is undoubtedly adding to Japan's strong interest in glider technology, especially Regent's vehicles. Behind the U.S. company is a group of heavyweight strategic investors from Japan, including logistics giant Yamato Holdings and Japan Airlines (invested through the Japan Airlines Innovation Fund).
The Aviation Innovation Fund is a strategic fund designed to expand JAL's potential business footprint. While the companies declined to disclose the amount of the investment, Regent has announced that the capital injection brings its total funding to the $60 million milestone.
Interior design
Interior design
Japan is one of the island nations that wants to provide efficient, sustainable transportation for all citizens living in or near coastal areas. Regent's glider, with its excellent performance of all-electric propulsion, was undoubtedly ideal for this goal. It does not emit any pollutants, but it has the same performance as conventional transportation.
Billy Thalheimer, CEO of Regent, said: "Our work will focus on how gliders can play a key role in Japan and other island chains operated by JAL. Next, we'll delve into the details of route planning, economic benefits, terminal facilities, and personnel training. ”
The company's flagship product is called Viceroy. It has a 12-seat configuration and a cruising speed of 180 mph (290 km/h) and a range of 180 miles (290 km) on a single charge. In the near future, it will be followed by the Monarch model, an enhanced glider that combines a 100-seat layout with a range of up to 500 miles (804 km) and is expected to be officially operational in 2030, creating an even more ambitious blueprint for future maritime traffic.
One of the main secrets behind this innovative vehicle is hydrofoil technology. The Viceroy is designed to anchor at the pier like a traditional boat, set sail from the pier and fly once it reaches the open water. In the initial phase, the glider ascended (about 5 feet) by relying on hydrofoils; The aircraft then retracts the hydrofoil and begins to operate like an airplane. In flight mode, it maintains an altitude of 30 feet above the water (within one wingspan above the water) using the wing-to-ground effect. Speeds of up to 180 mph can be achieved with thrust generated by eight electric propellers or four propellers under each wing.
Regent's electric hydrofoil gliders have three modes of operation: regular hull gliding, hydrofoil mode, or ground effect flying. It relies entirely on electric drive, incorporating cutting-edge digital flight software while retaining traditional boat control functions. This unique hybrid structure not only demonstrates its technical excellence, but also demonstrates its practical compatibility with the existing terminal infrastructure, paving the way for a rapid transition to commercial services. In addition, the glider is fast enough to ensure timeliness of transportation and delivery without adding to local pollution.
Billy Thalheimer explained that the key technology of hydrofoil gliders is that we can have the perfect blend of the fastest hydrofoil and the slowest wing, and we will take off and land around the perimeter of the harbor, where we will transition from hydrofoil mode to flight mode.
Because the Viceroy only operates on the surface of the water, not in airspace, the vehicle does not need to be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to be operational. Instead, the company is certifying it domestically under the U.S. Coast Guard's regulations for vessels at sea and internationally through Bureau Veritas' certification body.
Full-size design: 57.5 feet long, 15.5 feet high, 65 feet wingspan
Luxury VIP design
12-seat cabin design
"It's a ship, not an airplane," Thalheimer's words were filled with confidence and determination. "Our boats move from dock to pier on the water and never set foot in the airspace. As long as we remain in the ground effect within the surface wingspan, we can be certified by the Coast Guard. ”
Full size specifications
Full size specifications
Regent is busy assembling a full-scale prototype and will begin rigorous testing in the water this year, with manned tests expected by the end of next year. The company previously developed a quarter-scale demonstrator that included all the major systems used on full-scale prototypes.
Regent Craft公司CEO和CTO
To date, the Rhode Island-based company has secured orders for more than 600 units worth more than $9 billion. Regent's global customers range from multiple ferry operators in Europe to Mokule Airlines in Hawaii. The Viceroy flagship is expected to enter commercial service as soon as next year. At that time, this "glider" will surely set off a subversive revolution in the field of coastal transportation.