US Marines Test High-Speed Seaglider with Ground Effect Technology

Fast Summary

• REGENT Craft will manufacture Seaglider vessels for the U.S. Marine Corps, with production based in Rhode Island and delivery starting in 2026.

• The Seaglider uses proprietary hydrofoiling wing-in-ground-effect (WIG) technology, combining high speed, long range, and reduced operating costs for littoral (coastal) operations.

• Specifications:

– Viceroy Model:
– Capacity: 12 passengers or up to 3,500 lbs of cargo.
– Speed: Up to 160 knots.
– Range:
– all-electric version – 160 nautical miles.
– Hybrid version – Up to 1,400 nautical miles.
– Significantly quieter (30dB less) than conventional aircraft or helicopters.- Squire Model (Autonomous drone):
– Payload: Up to 50 lbs.
– Speed: Up to 70 knots for a range exceeding100 nautical miles.

• Future Plans:

– Larger “Monarch” model under progress aimed at carrying between 50-100 passengers or up to 22,000 lbs of cargo, with ranges from 400-650 km. expected initial deliveries by the end of the decade.

• Commercial demand is meaningful with $10 billion in orders already secured.

Indian Opinion Analysis

the innovation brought by REGENT’s Seaglider models represents a significant leap forward in lasting and efficient short-to-medium distance transportation. For India – a nation with an expansive coastline of over 7,500 kilometers – adapting similar technology may offer transformative solutions in fields like coastal shipping or disaster management. the reduced emissions from electric-hybrid propulsion systems also align well with India’s clean energy goals.

Additionally, this technology could impact India’s defense landscape given its utility for both civilian logistics and military operations. Coastal security along vital regions such as the Arabian Sea or Bay of Bengal may benefit from advancements similar to REGENT’s versatile WIG craft models in surveillance and rapid response scenarios. Moreover economic viability upgrading current maritime logistic fleet Eco kind remains..

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