Regent, a Boston-based company that is developing electric seagliders for zero-emission water travel, has announced a series of milestones that bring it closer to launching its revolutionary product in the market. The company has raised $60 million in a new round of funding, partnered with Japan Airlines to explore the feasibility of seaglider routes in Japan, and completed the first successful test flights of its technology demonstrator in Rhode Island.
What are seagliders and how do they work?
Seagliders are a new type of vehicle that can operate in three modes: floating, foiling, and flying. They can take off and land from any dock or pier, without the need for any additional infrastructure. They use battery power to propel themselves on the water surface, then lift off using hydrofoils and wings. They can fly up to 10 feet above the water at speeds of up to 180 mph, making them faster and more efficient than conventional ferries or planes.
Regent’s seagliders are designed to carry passengers and cargo across coastal and inland waterways, such as rivers, lakes, bays, and oceans. They can reduce travel time, congestion, and emissions, while offering a comfortable and scenic ride. Regent claims that its seagliders will have a range of 180 miles on a single charge, and will be able to recharge in less than 15 minutes.
What are the latest achievements of Regent?
Regent has recently announced several achievements that demonstrate its progress and potential in the seaglider market. The company has raised $60 million in a Series A round led by Breakthrough Energy Ventures, a fund backed by Bill Gates and other prominent investors. The round also included participation from Mark Cuban, Japan Airlines, Y Combinator, Cthulhu Ventures, and others.
The company has also partnered with Japan Airlines to explore the possibility of using seagliders for domestic and international routes in Japan. Japan Airlines will provide operational and regulatory expertise, as well as access to its network of destinations and customers. Regent hopes to launch seaglider services in Japan by 2025.
Additionally, Regent has completed the first series of test flights of its seaglider technology demonstrator in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. The demonstrator is a quarter-scale model of the full-size seaglider prototype that will carry human passengers. The test flights proved that the seaglider can successfully transition from floating to foiling to flying modes, marking a major step forward in maritime transportation.
What are the future plans of Regent?
Regent plans to continue developing and testing its seaglider technology, with the goal of flying a full-scale prototype with a flight crew in 2024. The company also plans to expand its global headquarters in Rhode Island to include up to 600,000 square feet of new manufacturing and test facilities. The company expects to begin fulfilling $8 billion worth of commercial orders by mid-decade.
Regent’s vision is to create a new era of sustainable maritime transportation that will benefit both people and the planet. The company believes that its electric seagliders will revolutionize the way people travel across waterways, offering faster, cheaper, safer, and greener alternatives to existing modes of transport.
