Video: Electric seaglider flys

An electric seaglider prototype has successfully completed its maiden flight, says New Zealand-based Ocean Flyer which wants to bring 25 of them here.

US aerospace manufacturer REGENT has successfully flown its prototype seaglider – a zero-emissions transport comprising a mix of aircraft, ferry and hydrofoil reportedly able to carry up to 100 passengers at high speeds above the water between cities and towns, particularly harbour or shore-based cities such as Whangarei and Auckland and Wellington and Christchurch.

The first flight demonstrates the viability of fully electric ‘wing-in-ground’ effect craft and is a key step in the development of seagliders, says Ocean Flyer, adding that backs its decision to go with REGENT after vetting multiple aviation options.

Ocean Flyer chief executive Shah Aslam says bold solutions like seagliders are needed for New Zealand to be carbon neutral by 2050.

“Electric cars and cycleways alone are not the solution to solving the climate crisis. Seagliders are perfect for our island nation and will help make our transition to carbon neutrality a reality.”

Aslam reckons seagliders are the future of inter-regional transport in New Zealand.

“We will continue to work with the Government, councils, stakeholders, and investors to deliver a transport option that is fully electric, sustainable, fast, comfortable and affordable.,” Aslam says.

Ocean Flyer is a business founded by former banker and Air Napier owner Shah Aslam and former New Zealand Air Force chief John Hamilton, the company signing a $700 million deal in April to bring seagliders here, Stuff reports.

It aims to have seagliders linking New Zealand cities by 2025, starting with the 12-seat Viceroy and from 2028 with the 100-seat Monarch.

One suggestion includes using seagliders to link New Zealand, Australia and Pacfiic nations.

The seagliders take advantage of a phenomenon known as “ground effect”, which reduces drag and increases range, to fly above the water.