Regent Demonstrates Seaglider Drone in U.S. Navy Exercise

Regent Craft demonstrated an autonomous version of its Squire Seaglider as part of the Pentagon’s recent Silent Swarm exercise. The Rhode Island-based company reported on August 18 that the electric vessel was one of several uncrewed platforms participating in the Department of War program held in Michigan from July 13-24.

Tests assessed how the Squire could both use and defend against electromagnetic spectrum operations, including radar, communications, and navigation infrared and directed energy capabilities. Over the course of 13 days, the Seaglider was fitted with multiple different payloads for electronic attack, protection and warfare scenarios.

The Squire Seaglider uncrewed surface and aerial vehicle has a payload of 50 pounds with an operational range of 100 nm at speeds of up to 70 knots. Regent is developing the vessel in conjuction with its plans for the larger Viceroy Seaglider that will carry 12 passengers or 3,500 pounds of cargo.

The company is conducting trial operations with a full-scale prototype of the Viceroy as it works towards certification of the vessel under maritime rules in 2027.  Last year, the U.S. Marine Corps evaluated the Viceroy for possible crewed missions and Regent has a $15 million contract with the service for development work.

Silent Swarm is sponsored by the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research, Engineering, Quantum and Battlefield Information Dominance. Described as “an elite military experimentation event,” it was held at sites across Michigan’s Northern Lower Peninsula, as well as at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, which includes ranges, airspace and water ways.

“I’ve seen how long it can take promising technology to reach the fleet,” said Admiral William Moran, the U.S. Navy’s former vice chief of naval operations, who is a member of Regent’s defense advisory board. “Squire’s performance at Silent Swarm demonstrates a program moving the speed our warfighters need. This is exactly the kind of capability and urgency the defense community should be paying attention to.”