Winged ferry that glides like a pelican tested for coastal transportation

In North Kingstown, R.I., a groundbreaking passenger ferry is making waves in coastal transportation. The Paladin, a winged watercraft developed by Regent Craft, showcases an innovative design that combines the speed of an aircraft with the ease of a boat. With a wingspan of 65 feet and powered by twelve whisper-quiet propellers, this sleek vessel is geared to redefine how we travel over water. During a recent test run, CEO Billy Thalheimer experienced the thrill of piloting the prototype for the first time. The electric-powered ferry operates in three distinct modes: float, foil, and fly. Initially, it behaves like any standard motorboat. As it ventures further from shore, it lifts onto hydrofoils, akin to those used in competitive sailing, allowing it to cruise at speeds exceeding 50 miles per hour—hovering just above the bay’s surface. The most remarkable aspect of the Paladin is its capability to soar 30 feet above the water at speeds of up to 180 miles per hour, although this ambitious flight is slated for future testing. If successful, the Paladin could drastically cut travel time, making a trip to New York City just an hour away, bypassing the lengthy train rides and congested roadways. Regent Craft is not only exploring commercial ferry routes in regions such as Florida, Hawaii, and Japan, but is also collaborating with the U.S. Marines to adapt the vessel for military purposes in the Pacific. The military models would likely swap electric power for jet fuel to accommodate longer distances. Backed by prominent investors like Peter Thiel and Mark Cuban, Thalheimer aims to revive the allure of 1930s flying boats, aiming for a design that is safer, quieter, and more environmentally friendly. Cuban remarked on the potential to make short water travel more enjoyable and efficient, noting the challenges of traditional ferry systems. The ambitious duo, Thalheimer and Chief Technology Officer Mike Klinker, both MIT alumni, founded Regent in 2020, and have already tested a smaller version of the Paladin. The larger, 12-passenger model is part of the Viceroy product line and is currently undergoing testing, with plans for passenger service beginning in 2027. Interestingly, the International Maritime Organization views these wing-in-ground-effect vehicles as marine vessels rather than aircraft, subjecting them to maritime regulations. Thalheimer emphasized that navigating the Paladin is akin to piloting a boat, noting its sophisticated traffic avoidance system. One of the significant challenges for Regent lies in transitioning from foiling to flying. The design leverages the power of its propellers to achieve high lift at lower speeds, a feat that has proven successful in simulations. However, real-world testing is the next crucial step. Historically, the only known military vessel with a similar design was the Soviet ekranoplan, built for stealth but rarely utilized. Now, with rising global tensions, Regent is positioning its gliders as a modern solution for troop and cargo transport across island regions, with capabilities that include intelligence collection and drone support. While military interest grows, experts express caution regarding the vessel's detectability and operational stability. Questions linger about its practical applications given its relatively short range and transport capacity. Yet, the commercial prospects excite both investors and the founders, especially in busy coastal areas like Miami, where the Paladin could serve as a vital link in ferrying passengers along the Atlantic coastline, complementing existing electric hydrofoil initiatives.