A PIONEERING new flight technology could be trialled on Scotland’s islands following the announcement of a new partnership.
US firm Regent (which stands for “Regional Electric Ground Effect Nautical Transport”) have confirmed a working relationship with the Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (Hitrans) with the aim of trialling their new craft in Orkney.
Regent’s 12-passenger Viceroy Seaglider is set to enter service between 2026 and 2027, and the possibility of using the all-electric craft to ferry people between Scottish islands is being explored.
Seaglider vehicles are designed for coastal regions. They can float like a boat, raise onto hydrofoils, or take off using the “flight in ground effect” – when an aircraft flying very close to a surface experiences extra lift and reduced drag because of the way air flows under its wings.
Regent’s website states: “Seaglider vessels are a new category of vehicle that combines the speed of an aircraft with the convenience of a boat to deliver an affordable and efficient mode of transportation between coastal destinations.”
The firm said it had around $10 billion worth of orders for the vehicle lined up. A larger “Monarch” version of the Seaglider, which can carry 50-100 passengers, is expected to launch around 2030.
The first stage of the partnership with Hitrans involves a feasibility study, as well as looking to gain support from local authorities.
Adam Triolo, Regent’s vice-president of commercial business development, said: “Our work with Hitrans is an exciting opportunity to showcase to Scotland and the Highlands communities the potential human and environmental benefits Seaglider vessels could have on coastal transportation.
“Regent’s Seaglider technology is an all-electric sustainable solution that could transform the way people transit this area of natural beauty.
“The Hitrans team are leading an important and innovative mission in the region, and we look forward to growing this partnership together.”
David Holden, regional sustainable aviation manager at Hitrans, aid: “This is a hugely exciting prospect for transport in the Highlands and Islands.
“Regent are bringing much needed innovation to coastal transportation which has the potential to transform how people travel across the Highlands and Islands in the future.
“We look forward to continuing to collaborate and help to realise the vision of Seaglider travel for the people of Scotland.”
Regent said that, at 55ft long with a 65ft wingspan, the Viceroy Seaglider vessel will be “the largest-ever all-electric flying machine”.
The vehicle is technically classed as a boat, the firm said.
