Hawaiian Airlines intends to use electric “sea gliders” for island-hopping commuter routes in the near future.
Hawaiian is investing in Boston-based firm Regent which develops Wing in Ground Effect aircraft (WIGs), according to TravelMole.
Regent’s sea glider is a 12-passenger vehicle that operates exclusively over water, traversing the sea in one of three modes: hull, hydrofoil, or flight in ground effect. Flight in ground or Wing in ground effect refers to the reduced aerodynamic drag that an aircraft's wings generate when they are close to a fixed surface. The aircraft hovers just a few feet above the ocean and is able to ‘fly’ in and out of existing harbours.
The flagship electric sea glider, Viceroy, has eight propellers, can carry a 1 600kg payload, and has zero emissions. It can travel up to 300kmph, and its battery allows travel for 300km. According to Regent’s website, it plans to develop next-generation battery technology that will allow Viceroy to travel 400km by 2025.
It is also 30DB quieter than a normal aircraft or helicopter.
Full-scale prototypes will begin sea trials by 2023 and Hawaiian will collaborate with Regent to develop a 100-passenger version of the aircraft.
