Photo: Regent
If you thought that the Viceroy seaglider by Regent is one of the coolest, most futuristic contraptions to hit the market, you'd be dazzled by its bigger and bolder brother, the Monarch.
The Monarch isn't officially here yet, but maritime transportation operators worldwide are already eager to get their hands on it. United Marine Egypt (UME) Shipping will be the first one, but that's not happening too soon. Regent intends to deliver the first Monarch before the end of this decade, which will mark a huge step toward sustainability in maritime transportation.
Monarch is not the only seaglider ordered by UME. Prior to that, it had confirmed orders for Regent's smaller Viceroy seagliders. These innovative vessels will operate within UME's existing network in the Red Sea.
Regent seems to be doing great in terms of orders. It claims to have secured orders for more than 600 units with an estimated value of more than $9 billion. Due to the unique nature of these vessels, they are attractive for both airlines and ferry operators.
Seagliders are described as an entirely new type of vehicle: an aircraft-boat hybrid with the added benefit of all-electric propulsion, which places them in the zero-emission category.
Regent's seagliders are based on the modern hydrofoil technology. It rises on its hydrofoil in order to take off (like a watercraft), then it retracts the foil and takes flight once it reaches open water. While operating like an aircraft, it stays close to the water surface – approximately within one wingspan above the water.
This hybrid structure makes it compatible with existing dock infrastructure despite its new-generation design and concept. Due to its dual nature, it features conventional boat controls and digital flight software. Most importantly, it operates with zero emissions, which makes it an excellent green alternative to existing vessels for passenger transportation.
The Rhode Island-based company has developed two versions of the seaglider concept. The Viceroy boasts a 12-seat configuration and is able to cover 180 miles (290 km) on a single charge at a cruising speed of 180 mph (290 kph).
The Monarch is a beefed-up version that combines an impressive capacity (50-to-100 passengers) with extreme performance: a 400 miles (650 km) range at 140 mph (225 kph).
The Monarch will be fully compliant with international regulations for WIG (wing-in-ground) vessels in this size category. To that end, Regent is currently working with the prestigious Lloyd's Register (LR) classification society. Like any new type of vehicle, the electric seaglider has to undergo a long and complex certification process, which is partially why it will take so long to officially launch the Monarch.
In the meantime, the Viceroy seaglider is expected to enter service next year. Hopefully, we will also witness the Monarch in action before 2030.
Monarch is not the only seaglider ordered by UME. Prior to that, it had confirmed orders for Regent's smaller Viceroy seagliders. These innovative vessels will operate within UME's existing network in the Red Sea.
Regent seems to be doing great in terms of orders. It claims to have secured orders for more than 600 units with an estimated value of more than $9 billion. Due to the unique nature of these vessels, they are attractive for both airlines and ferry operators.
Seagliders are described as an entirely new type of vehicle: an aircraft-boat hybrid with the added benefit of all-electric propulsion, which places them in the zero-emission category.
Regent's seagliders are based on the modern hydrofoil technology. It rises on its hydrofoil in order to take off (like a watercraft), then it retracts the foil and takes flight once it reaches open water. While operating like an aircraft, it stays close to the water surface – approximately within one wingspan above the water.
This hybrid structure makes it compatible with existing dock infrastructure despite its new-generation design and concept. Due to its dual nature, it features conventional boat controls and digital flight software. Most importantly, it operates with zero emissions, which makes it an excellent green alternative to existing vessels for passenger transportation.
The Rhode Island-based company has developed two versions of the seaglider concept. The Viceroy boasts a 12-seat configuration and is able to cover 180 miles (290 km) on a single charge at a cruising speed of 180 mph (290 kph).
The Monarch is a beefed-up version that combines an impressive capacity (50-to-100 passengers) with extreme performance: a 400 miles (650 km) range at 140 mph (225 kph).
The Monarch will be fully compliant with international regulations for WIG (wing-in-ground) vessels in this size category. To that end, Regent is currently working with the prestigious Lloyd's Register (LR) classification society. Like any new type of vehicle, the electric seaglider has to undergo a long and complex certification process, which is partially why it will take so long to officially launch the Monarch.
In the meantime, the Viceroy seaglider is expected to enter service next year. Hopefully, we will also witness the Monarch in action before 2030.
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