Taking To The Seas; Electric Aircraft Electric aircraft development especially on the smaller end of the scale with facets such as the eVTOL and hybrid-electric aircraft has been solidifying and starting to make meaningful strides in way of actually moving in the direction to certification and real-world use -as we have seen in the Chinese market-. Electric aircraft development and certification efforts although pushing forward still face many hurdles before we can see this as a daily experience in the low-altitude realm. Battery technology is still evolving, regulatory issues are still foremost. Electric aircraft are now evolving in offering too, some taking to the seas.
Hybrid-electric Polaris model which is currently being developed by United States start-up company Tidal Flight is one of these endeavours. It has been getting some traction with a new order made by Indian-based company Mehair Seaplane Services. Maritime Energy Heli Air Services (Mehair) recently made an order at the Singapore Air Show for up to 10 aircraft of the type which covers a firm order for 5 and options for another 5.
The Polaris is envisioned to carry between 9 and 12 passengers when it comes into service in 2030. The company is presently has up to 150 provisional orders that are covered in 12 purchase agreements. With 2030 in mind, the company wants to commence flight testing in 2028. As a result they are currently working on an iron-bird for ground testing and the full-sized powertrain. Pricing is estimated to be 6 million dollars for the Polaris. Mehair already operates a fleet of Cessna Caravan based floatplanes.
There is another company called Regent Craft with an electric seaplane that is in development named the Viceroy Seaglider. It is an electric-powered wing-in-ground-effect vessel. This aircraft is expected to carry around 12 passengers initially. Recently, Regent Craft received an order from Synerjet for 10 of the type. “Regent’s Seaglider represents a compelling new category of mobility,” said Synerjet CEO Fabio Rebello. “By combining aircraft-like speed with dock-to-dock convenience and zero-emission operations, Seagliders allow us to expand our service offering and unlock new regional routes that were previously impractical or underserved.” The aircraft is estimated to do coastal routes of around 160 nautical miles and fly at speeds of around 160-knots.
At the time when the first full-scale prototype hit the water it was known as the largest all-electric flying machine built. 55-foot length and 65-foot wingspan are certainly impressive for this craft. In 2022 they tested a quarter-scale craft and the company was founded in 2020. More than 9 billion in orders have been received for this particular aircraft type from the Regent Craft. Despite being just a seaplane, Regent Craft is looking to offer interior appointments that are luxurious. ***
