US company Regent Craft partners with UAE to produce the Viceroy seaglider as the US Marine Corps explore its military potential
{loadposition bannertop}
{loadposition sidebarpub}
On February 26, 2025, the US company Regent Craft signed an initial agreement with the Strategic Development Fund (SDF) to establish a joint venture for manufacturing and servicing all-electric seagliders in the United Arab Emirates. This agreement, subject to closing conditions and regulatory approvals, is intended to create a production facility in Abu Dhabi to supply the Middle East, Africa, and other regions. The joint venture will also provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services to support seaglider operations.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The Viceroy Seaglider operates using wing-in-ground effect (WIG) technology, which allows it to fly close to the water’s surface, and enables improved efficiency and reduced detectability. (Picture source: Army Recognition)
Regent Craft has previously entered into agreements with the U.S. Marine Corps and Lockheed Martin Ventures to evaluate the military applications of its Viceroy seaglider. The Marine Corps Warfighting Lab (MCWL) signed a $4.75 million agreement with Regent to assess the platform’s capability in hull, foil, and wing-borne modes for defense logistics. The evaluation will include a live demonstration in a U.S. government exercise. Additionally, Regent collaborates with the Naval War College Foundation to research seaglider defense applications. The company is also engaged with Lloyd’s Register and the UAE Marine Transport Affairs Department to establish maritime certification pathways for military use.
Production of the Viceroy seagliders is planned in the UAE and at Regent’s 23,690-square-meter manufacturing facility in Rhode Island at the Quonset Business Park, which is expected to be operational in 2026. The facility will manufacture components, assemble vehicles, and conduct pre-delivery testing. It is intended for large-scale production of the Viceroy Seaglider and future models for both commercial and defense applications. The facility is projected to create at least 300 jobs over ten years and serve as the primary production hub until additional capabilities in the UAE are developed.
The Viceroy Seaglider is a dual-use platform designed for high-speed, low-signature, and runway-independent operations. The aircraft is 16.8 meters in length, 5.5 meters in height, and has a 19.8-meter wingspan. It accommodates a crew of two and twelve passengers, with a cabin measuring 7.9 meters in length, 1.8 meters in height, and 1.7 meters in width. The cargo door dimensions are 1.45 meters by 1.64 meters. The aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight of 6,985 kilograms and a useful load capacity of 1,360 kilograms in passenger configuration or 1,588 kilograms in cargo configuration. It cruises at 290 kilometers per hour (156 knots) and has an expected range of 290 kilometers (156 nautical miles) with end-of-life batteries. It features motors with a 120 kW output, though details regarding the manufacturer and model have not been disclosed. Noise levels during takeoff are measured at 59 dBA at 100 meters. The cabin has 21.1 cubic meters of passenger space and an additional 2.5 cubic meters for luggage storage.
The Viceroy Seaglider operates using wing-in-ground effect (WIG) technology, which allows it to fly close to the water’s surface. This enables improved efficiency and reduced detectability. The platform can reach speeds of up to 296 kilometers per hour (160 knots), which is significantly faster than conventional waterborne craft, while maintaining a lower radar and infrared signature. It does not require a runway for takeoff or landing and is equipped with a modular mission system that supports integration of sensors, weapons, and data links.
The Viceroy Seagliders could have some potential applications for armed forces in contested maritime environments, as their high-speed capability supports the rapid movement of personnel and supplies while minimizing detectability. Operating within one wingspan of the water’s surface reduces exposure to radar detection and increases survivability in high-threat areas. These characteristics make them suitable for expeditionary logistics, maritime supply chain security, and search-and-rescue missions. Their design enables navigation through denied zones and adverse weather conditions, making them useful for contested logistics.
For intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, the Viceroy seaglider’s low observability and modular mission system support sensor and communication equipment integration. This allows for real-time situational awareness across surface, subsurface, and aerial domains. Its electric propulsion system contributes to a reduced infrared signature, limiting detection from aerial and satellite-based surveillance. The platform can also incorporate autonomous drone operations to expand ISR capabilities and battlefield awareness.
In special operations, the seaglider’s combination of speed, stealth, and maneuverability supports covert infiltration and exfiltration missions. It does not require traditional runways, allowing for deployment from multiple maritime locations. Structural features, including external hardpoints and internal mission system placements, provide adaptability for military applications. The ability to remain below line-of-sight radar and above sonar detection increases operational security. These characteristics could position the Viceroy seaglider as a new asset for naval and expeditionary forces requiring discreet transport and rapid deployment in high-risk environments.
{loadposition bannertop}
{loadposition sidebarpub}
On February 26, 2025, the US company Regent Craft signed an initial agreement with the Strategic Development Fund (SDF) to establish a joint venture for manufacturing and servicing all-electric seagliders in the United Arab Emirates. This agreement, subject to closing conditions and regulatory approvals, is intended to create a production facility in Abu Dhabi to supply the Middle East, Africa, and other regions. The joint venture will also provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services to support seaglider operations.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The Viceroy Seaglider operates using wing-in-ground effect (WIG) technology, which allows it to fly close to the water’s surface, and enables improved efficiency and reduced detectability. (Picture source: Army Recognition)
Regent Craft has previously entered into agreements with the U.S. Marine Corps and Lockheed Martin Ventures to evaluate the military applications of its Viceroy seaglider. The Marine Corps Warfighting Lab (MCWL) signed a $4.75 million agreement with Regent to assess the platform’s capability in hull, foil, and wing-borne modes for defense logistics. The evaluation will include a live demonstration in a U.S. government exercise. Additionally, Regent collaborates with the Naval War College Foundation to research seaglider defense applications. The company is also engaged with Lloyd’s Register and the UAE Marine Transport Affairs Department to establish maritime certification pathways for military use.
Production of the Viceroy seagliders is planned in the UAE and at Regent’s 23,690-square-meter manufacturing facility in Rhode Island at the Quonset Business Park, which is expected to be operational in 2026. The facility will manufacture components, assemble vehicles, and conduct pre-delivery testing. It is intended for large-scale production of the Viceroy Seaglider and future models for both commercial and defense applications. The facility is projected to create at least 300 jobs over ten years and serve as the primary production hub until additional capabilities in the UAE are developed.
The Viceroy Seaglider is a dual-use platform designed for high-speed, low-signature, and runway-independent operations. The aircraft is 16.8 meters in length, 5.5 meters in height, and has a 19.8-meter wingspan. It accommodates a crew of two and twelve passengers, with a cabin measuring 7.9 meters in length, 1.8 meters in height, and 1.7 meters in width. The cargo door dimensions are 1.45 meters by 1.64 meters. The aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight of 6,985 kilograms and a useful load capacity of 1,360 kilograms in passenger configuration or 1,588 kilograms in cargo configuration. It cruises at 290 kilometers per hour (156 knots) and has an expected range of 290 kilometers (156 nautical miles) with end-of-life batteries. It features motors with a 120 kW output, though details regarding the manufacturer and model have not been disclosed. Noise levels during takeoff are measured at 59 dBA at 100 meters. The cabin has 21.1 cubic meters of passenger space and an additional 2.5 cubic meters for luggage storage.
The Viceroy Seaglider operates using wing-in-ground effect (WIG) technology, which allows it to fly close to the water’s surface. This enables improved efficiency and reduced detectability. The platform can reach speeds of up to 296 kilometers per hour (160 knots), which is significantly faster than conventional waterborne craft, while maintaining a lower radar and infrared signature. It does not require a runway for takeoff or landing and is equipped with a modular mission system that supports integration of sensors, weapons, and data links.
The Viceroy Seagliders could have some potential applications for armed forces in contested maritime environments, as their high-speed capability supports the rapid movement of personnel and supplies while minimizing detectability. Operating within one wingspan of the water’s surface reduces exposure to radar detection and increases survivability in high-threat areas. These characteristics make them suitable for expeditionary logistics, maritime supply chain security, and search-and-rescue missions. Their design enables navigation through denied zones and adverse weather conditions, making them useful for contested logistics.
For intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, the Viceroy seaglider’s low observability and modular mission system support sensor and communication equipment integration. This allows for real-time situational awareness across surface, subsurface, and aerial domains. Its electric propulsion system contributes to a reduced infrared signature, limiting detection from aerial and satellite-based surveillance. The platform can also incorporate autonomous drone operations to expand ISR capabilities and battlefield awareness.
In special operations, the seaglider’s combination of speed, stealth, and maneuverability supports covert infiltration and exfiltration missions. It does not require traditional runways, allowing for deployment from multiple maritime locations. Structural features, including external hardpoints and internal mission system placements, provide adaptability for military applications. The ability to remain below line-of-sight radar and above sonar detection increases operational security. These characteristics could position the Viceroy seaglider as a new asset for naval and expeditionary forces requiring discreet transport and rapid deployment in high-risk environments.
