This is what the U.S. manufacturer Regent (Regional Electric Ground Effect Nautical Transport) claims in an announcement published last week. The company has just presented a prototype of its e-powered sea glider called Paladin, following successful completions of first test runs with passengers on board. The order book, worth more than USD 9 billion and listing customers from all over the world, gives the Rhode Island-based developer and manufacturer high hopes for the market success of its product.
Coastal residents, for example in the Atlantic parts of the USA, will probably soon have to get used to the sight of a new vehicle: an airplane and ship hybrid. It is an eye-catching, high-speed means of transport with a length of 17 meters and a 20-meter wingspan. Owing to these dimensions, it is the largest-ever, all-electric flying machine, and represents a novel mode of transportation. It operates at low altitude between nine and eighteen meters above water, traversing the sea in one of three modes: hull, hydrofoil, or flight in ground effect. According to manufacturer, REGENT, it can operate 300km (180 miles) on a single charge, is powered by twelve turbofans, and reaches a flight velocity of 300 km/h. REGENT has raised more than USD 90 million from investors including Japan Airlines, 8090 Industries, Founders Fund, and Lockheed Martin.
Passenger and freighter version
Manufacturer REGENT is extremely optimistic about the market prospects for its sea glider. There is a great demand from travelers and sightseers, exploring coastal regions. The situation is similar when it comes to supplying residents with freight and mail. Because of these two focal points of use, there will be two versions of the vehicle: one for passengers and another for freight. According to the manufacturer, the vehicle, maneuvered by two crew members, can accommodate 12 passengers, while the freight version allows for loads of up to 1,600 kg per trip.
In good seamanship tradition, REGENT christened the vessel “Paladin” before lowering the vehicle into the waters of Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, to commence sea trials. These follow months of rigorous sub-system testing of the critical onboard systems, including motors, batteries, electronics, mechanical systems, and vehicle control software.
Transforming or spreading the mobility range
“Stepping off the dock and onto the sea glider prototype for the first time, was surreal” said Mike Klinker, Co-Founder and CTO of REGENT. “I felt honored to be in the cockpit as she left the dock for the first time and started sea trials. This was the first voyage of a vessel that is destined to transform mobility — the era of sea gliders has begun.”
In JAN25, REGENT broke ground on a 24,000 m2 manufacturing facility in Rhode Island, expected to come online in 2026. In FEB25, REGENT signed an agreement with Strategic Development Fund (SDF), an Abu Dhabi-based investment company and part of EDGE Group, to establish a joint venture that will bring sea glider manufacturing capabilities, maintenance services, and crew training to the UAE.
Certification process is underway
“Sea trials are just the beginning,” said Billy Thalheimer, REGENT Co-Founder and CEO. “This is a true testament to the dedication of our world-class team and partners across the globe, that we’ve accomplished this historic milestone in just four years since our founding. Today, we’re one step closer to meeting what we have now validated as massive global market demand for sea gliders.”
Concurrent to the construction of the vehicle, REGENT has advanced its maritime certification process with the U.S. Coast Guard and with maritime regulators in key markets around the world. This is done in compliance with the regulations of the maritime classification society, Lloyd’s Register.
