Allows Full-Scale Prototype Testing

REGENT Craft, maker of all-electric seagliders, announced the U.S. Coast Guard has approved its Navigation Safety Risk Assessment. The approval means the Rhode Island-based company is now authorized to begin testing its full-scale prototype in Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island Sound.

For the assessment, REGENT consulted with over 20 local stakeholders including the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, marine pilots, harbor masters, the U.S. Navy, the FAA, sailing organizations, and environmental groups to address their concerns. It also included a third-party risk analysis of navigational safety, review of environmental concerns, and economic impacts from testing.

The Coast Guard reviewed the assessment at the sector, division, and national levels and approved it with no revisions. This process for assessment and approval will serve as a template for future commercial seaglider approvals in other U.S. waterways and around the world.

Ted Lester, VP of Certification for REGENT said, “U.S. Coast Guard approval of REGENT’s Navigational Safety Risk Assessment marks a significant step in bringing us closer to seaglider prototype testing with humans on board. The assessment reflects our commitment to ensuring the highest safety standards and remaining responsive to community concerns.”

Seagliders are all-electric hydrofoiling wing-in-ground (WIG) craft that operate over water in ground effect, within one wingspan of the surface. U.S. law defines such craft as maritime vessels regulated by the U.S. Coast Guard with technical support from the FAA. REGENT is working with the Coast Guard to further certification of its Viceroy seaglider, a 12-passenger vehicle able to attain speeds of up to 180 mph and service routes up to 180 miles on a single charge.

FMI:  www.regentcraft.com/