Seaglider manufacturing now has a factory. REGENT Craft completed the world’s first dedicated Seaglider production facility at 1 Seaglider Way in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, on June 16, 2026.
Key Takeaways
- REGENT Craft completed the world’s first Seaglider manufacturing facility on June 16, 2026, in North Kingstown, Rhode Island
- The 255,000 sq ft facility at 1 Seaglider Way will produce the 12-passenger Viceroy Seaglider and the autonomous Squire drone variant
- REGENT holds a commercial order book exceeding $10 billion across six continents and more than $15 million in U.S. Marine Corps contracts
- First customer deliveries are targeted for 2027
- Rhode Island backed the project with up to $13 million in incentives tied to 300 jobs, with potential to expand to 750 positions over the decade
What a Seaglider Is and Why Seaglider Manufacturing Matters
A Seaglider is an all-electric, wing-in-ground-effect (WIG) vessel. It floats on the water and accelerates onto retractable hydrofoils. The hydrofoils then lift it just above the surface, using aerodynamic ground effect. The result combines aircraft speed with the operating profile and economics of a maritime vessel.
Seagliders do not require runways, airports, or the FAA certification process that governs aircraft. They operate under maritime jurisdiction, which significantly simplifies the regulatory pathway to commercial operations. For coastal routes, island-to-island transit, and near-shore logistics, they offer a speed and energy efficiency profile that no existing vessel class can match.
REGENT built dedicated manufacturing infrastructure before delivering a single production unit. That decision reflects the scale of demand already behind it: a commercial order book exceeding $10 billion across six continents.
The Two Vehicles Coming Out of North Kingstown
The Viceroy is REGENT’s 12-passenger commercial Seaglider, designed for coastal transit operators, ferry routes, and resort-to-airport connections. The Squire is an autonomous drone variant of the same platform, built for cargo, logistics, and defense applications.
Together, they give REGENT a two-product portfolio addressing commercial passenger transit and autonomous cargo operations from the same facility and the same manufacturing platform.
Inside the 255,000 Square Foot Factory
The North Kingstown facility is purpose-built for Seaglider production. It includes dedicated areas for structural assembly, wing and hydrofoil integration, battery and systems installation, and water-based test and acceptance operations. Tooling, metrology, and quality checkpoints are embedded throughout the production flow.
The facility is located in Quonset Business Park, one of Rhode Island’s primary industrial campuses. By the time the building was completed, REGENT had already invested $71.5 million in Rhode Island’s economy and created more than 100 jobs, ahead of the facility’s formal opening.
Why Rhode Island Backed the Project
Rhode Island committed up to $13 million in incentives through its Qualified Jobs Program, tied to 300 jobs at the North Kingstown facility. The program includes performance requirements, meaning REGENT must deliver on hiring commitments to receive the full incentive package. The potential 750-job build-out over the decade represents a significant manufacturing base for a state that has actively competed for advanced manufacturing investment.
The Defense and Commercial Order Book
REGENT holds more than $15 million in active contracts with the U.S. Marine Corps, covering Seaglider development and evaluation. The Marine Corps interest reflects a broader Department of Defense push to evaluate wing-in-ground-effect technology for expeditionary logistics and over-water transport missions.
On the commercial side, the $10 billion order book spans six continents. Island nations, coastal ferry operators, and resort developers have placed orders, attracted by the Seaglider’s ability to connect coastal points at aircraft speeds without airport infrastructure. Many of REGENT’s international customers operate in regions where ferry service is slow and air service is unavailable or prohibitively expensive.
| REGENT Seaglider Factory: Key Facts | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | 1 Seaglider Way, North Kingstown, RI |
| Facility Size | 255,000 sq ft |
| Completion Date | June 16, 2026 |
| Vehicles in Production | Viceroy (12-passenger), Squire (autonomous drone) |
| Commercial Order Book | $10B+ across 6 continents |
| USMC Contracts | $15M+ |
| RI State Incentives | Up to $13M (Qualified Jobs Program) |
| First Deliveries | 2027 (target) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Seaglider?
A Seaglider is an all-electric, wing-in-ground-effect vehicle built by REGENT Craft. It floats on water, rises onto hydrofoils, and then lifts just above the water’s surface using aerodynamic ground effect. It operates under maritime jurisdiction rather than FAA aviation rules, and it is designed for high-speed coastal transit without airport infrastructure.
Where is REGENT’s manufacturing facility?
REGENT’s Seaglider manufacturing facility is located at 1 Seaglider Way in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, within the Quonset Business Park. The 255,000 square foot facility was completed on June 16, 2026.
When will REGENT deliver its first Seagliders to customers?
REGENT targets first customer deliveries in 2027. The company will produce the 12-passenger Viceroy Seaglider and the autonomous Squire drone variant from the North Kingstown facility.
What military applications does the Seaglider have?
REGENT holds more than $15 million in active contracts with the U.S. Marine Corps. The Marine Corps is evaluating Seaglider technology for expeditionary logistics and over-water transport missions, where it could carry personnel and supplies at aircraft speeds without the infrastructure requirements of traditional aviation.
How big is REGENT’s order book?
REGENT holds a commercial order book exceeding $10 billion across six continents. Customers include coastal ferry operators, island transit providers, resort developers, and defense organizations. The company also holds more than $15 million in U.S. Marine Corps contracts.
What state incentives did Rhode Island provide to REGENT?
Rhode Island committed up to $13 million in incentives through its Qualified Jobs Program, tied to 300 jobs at the North Kingstown facility. REGENT has the potential to expand to 750 positions over the decade. The company had already invested $71.5 million in Rhode Island and created more than 100 jobs before the factory formally opened.
Bottom Line: The Seaglider is no longer a concept vehicle. It has a factory, an address, and a delivery schedule. For manufacturers, suppliers, and defense contractors watching the evolution of maritime and near-shore transportation, the opening of 1 Seaglider Way in Rhode Island is the signal that this market is moving from prototype to production.
Author: Wes Garrett
Content and Growth Marketing Producer | From Strategy to Execution, Delivering Impactful Media Solutions and Client Success
