The Regent Viceroy Seaglider completed its first lift-off on its hydrofoil lifting surfaces, gliding as its name suggests above the (placid) waves of Kingston, Rhode Island. Of course, that lift is helped by the 65-foot wing, making this a commercially feasible WIG (Wing In Ground Effect) machine. We have reported on earlier versions of the machine three years ago and late last year. The configuration has changed from eight motors to twelve, but the overal concept has remeained the same. This configuration has many advantages. The hydrofoils elevate the craft out of the water and lessen any hull drag on it significantly, enabling it to glide above, rather than plough through the water. Operatoing in three different modes, the craft can go from navigating crowded harbors to skimming oceans along seacoasts. Simplicity of Operation In full flight mode, the wing operates in ground effect, a cushion of air roughly equivalent to the craft’s 65-foot span. Flying at this altitude enables …
