US Marines will use Viceroy hydroplanes from REGENT to perform combat missions
Seaplanes are associated with such leisure activities as island travel and resort transportation. However, they can also play a key role in defense logistics. The US Marine Corps has invested in a project to create marine gliders that will be used by military personnel in marine environments.
Seaplanes are hydrofoils that use hydrofoils to lift off the water and glide at high speeds. These new electric aircraft combine the high speed of an airplane with the low operating costs of a boat.
A seaplane offers the benefits of ultra-low altitude, zero-emission transportation without the need for runways or special facilities. It can use existing docks and harbors as landing and takeoff sites.
They will fill a gap in the U.S. Department of Defense’s high-speed, low-cost, stealthy, runway-independent mobility capability in coastal areas and perform a number of tasks. Marine gliders can perform a variety of tasks for the Ministry of Defense, such as transporting troops and cargo, establishing forward base operations, and providing communications.
The Viceroy seaplane from REGENT is a model that can carry 12 people or 500 kg of payload over a distance of up to 587 km on a single battery charge. As battery technology improves, the company aims to achieve a zero-emission range of 2,890 km in the near future.
“The REGENT seaplanes provide the ability to distribute a variety of capabilities in littoral areas, including logistics, command and control, and reconnaissance. The capabilities of the REGENT seaplane will bring success,” said retired General Robert Neller, who served in the Marine Corps.
