Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Regent Craft has resumed trials with a full-scale prototype for the electric 12-passenger Viceroy Seaglider it aims to bring to market in 2027. The company reported that its 2026 test campaign will include both the Viceroy and the smaller Squire Seaglider drone.
At its headquarters in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, Regent is developing the Viceroy to operate over water in float, foil, and flight modes. The company is also resuming hydrofoiling tests and is preparing to conduct first flights with humans on board the Viceroy later this year. Trials with the autonomous Squire model are focused on validating systems, controls, and operational envelopes.
Regent’s engineering team has spent the winter months making design improvements, as well as reviewing data from the 2025 flight test campaign and simulating operations. The company is targeting both commercial and defense applications for the wing-in-ground effect (WIG) vessels, which will be certified under maritime regulations to fly at around 30 feet above water.
“There is existing guidance we must follow for regulating a WIG craft through the International Maritime Organization,” explained Ted Lester, Regent’s v-p of certification. “We are actively advancing this approval pathway in parallel with the development of our&nbsp;Seagliders, meaning we are working with the [U.S.] Coast Guard throughout the entire process, from&nbsp;initial&nbsp;design stages through to inspection and final approval. As part of that process, Coast Guard officials are involved in oversight and inspection, including participation in key testing phases such as sea trials to ensure the vessels meet the required safety and operational standards before entering service.”&nbsp;
This summer, Regent is set to open its 255,000-sq-ft manufacturing facility in Rhode Island. It has reported provisional orders from operators including Synerjet in Brazil and private members club XXV in the U.S.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Regent Resumes Trials with Electric Wing-in-ground Effect Seagliders 

Wing-in-ground effect vessels operate around 30 feet above water

Regent Craft has started the 2026 campaign for water-based testing of its Viceroy and Squire electric wing-in-ground effect vessels.

Regent Resumes Trial Operations with Electric Seagliders 

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News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

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