Regent’s Viceroy seaglider prepares for trials
The all-electric Viceroy seaglider wing-in-ground-effect vehicle has been designed for defence and civilian use. (Image: Regent)
A US-based company has been preparing to test its full-scale prototype by late 2024 with potential for defence applications including intelligence, surveillance and rapid deployment in contested environments.
Regent, a US-based manufacturer of electric-powered wing-in-ground-effect vehicles, has said it expected the full-scale prototype of the all-electric Viceroy seaglider to begin testing in late 2024 and continue trials throughout the following spring.
Speaking with Shephard at the Emerging Technologies for Defense exhibition in Washington, DC, Tom Huntley, vice-president for government relations and defence at Regent, highlighted the Viceroy’s potential defence applications.
The company announced a US$4.8 million contract with the US Marine Corps Warfighting Lab (MCWL) in October 2023 to demonstrate seaglider technology for defence logistics operations.
Huntley told Shephard that Viceroy could be utilised for intelligence, surveillance and
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![How could Rheinmetall’s GMF 140 fit with ongoing programmes in North America?]()
How could Rheinmetall’s GMF 140 fit with ongoing programmes in North America?
With Canada committed to its River-class replacement and the USN pursuing a lower-cost frigate, Rheinmetall will need to demonstrate where the GMF 140 can fill a capability gap in the North American fleet.
-
![Australian industry programme builds pipeline for Virginia-class sustainment]()
Australian industry programme builds pipeline for Virginia-class sustainment
Australian businesses can now bid to support Virginia-class submarine sustainment in Western Australia, as momentum around the Henderson Defence Precinct also builds.
-
![South Korea, Japan and Turkey vie for US shipbuilding access in future frigate contest]()
South Korea, Japan and Turkey vie for US shipbuilding access in future frigate contest
Washington’s search for a foreign-built frigate could hand South Korea, Japan and Turkey a larger prize than a double-hull order: a foothold inside the US shipbuilding industrial base.
-
![Russia’s uncrewed boat portfolio hints at future naval demand]()
Russia’s uncrewed boat portfolio hints at future naval demand
Ukrainian intelligence has catalogued more than 20 Russian uncrewed surface vessels, revealing a portfolio weighted towards mine warfare and logistics, with implications for Western naval investment.
-
![Ukraine’s new long-range 12m autonomous vessel can deploy other drones]()
Ukraine’s new long-range 12m autonomous vessel can deploy other drones
Ukraine’s UForce unveiled the MV11 uncrewed surface vessel, designed to launch and support other naval drones at sea, fuelling debate over the future of autonomous maritime task groups.
