{
  "id": 18538173,
  "title": "Electric ‘Flying Boat’ Lands $5 Billion in Orders",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/06/electric-flying-boat-lands-5-billion-in-orders",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-11-06T17:51:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "FreightWaves",
    "slug": "freightwaves",
    "url": "https://www.freightwaves.com/news/electric-flying-boat-lands-5-billion-in-orders"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Regent, a Rhode Island-based startup, has secured $5 billion in orders for its electric seaglider craft. These innovative vehicles operate in three modes - float, foil, and fly - and are classified as maritime vessels by the Coast Guard. The Viceroy, a 15,000-pound seaglider capable of carrying 12 passengers and two crew, cruises at 180 MPH with a 180-mile electric range. A hybrid defense variant aims for a 1,600-mile range. REGENT's craft can serve isolated island and coastal markets, where ground transportation is limited. The company has opened a Rhode Island factory for U.S.-built production and complies with Jones Act requirements. Sea trials and commercial operations are expected to commence in 2028.",
  "summary": "REGENT is building electric seagliders that merge the best of boats and planes, operating on a cushion of air over the water known as ground effect. CEO Billy Thalheimer explains how this innovative technology allows for super-efficient, silent travel at speeds up to 180 MPH, overcoming traditional limitations of electric aviation. Discover how seagliders are […] The post Electric ‘Flying Boat’…",
  "key_points": [
    "Regent secures $5 billion in orders for electric seaglider craft.",
    "Viceroy seaglider carries 12 passengers, cruises at 180 MPH.",
    "Rhode Island factory opens for U.S.-built production."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}