Autonocast #344: Billy Thalheimer of Regent
Aug 29, 2025
Billy Thalheimer, CEO of Regent and innovator behind electric seagliders, discusses his groundbreaking transportation technology. He highlights the unique functionality of sea gliders, which efficiently transition between water and air. The conversation dives into military applications, electrification benefits, and regulatory hurdles. Thalheimer also shares insights on combining historical engineering with modern advancements to redefine coastal travel and enhance connectivity in regions like South Florida.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Sea Glider Is A New Hybrid Mode
- Regent builds the Sea Glider, a hybrid boat-plane that floats, hydrofoils, and flies in ground effect for high efficiency.
- Flying in ground effect lets fully electric propulsion reach regional ranges with much lower energy use than conventional aircraft.
Ground Effect Altitude And Efficiency
- Ground effect works at roughly one wingspan above the surface and for Regent's 65-ft wingspan that is around 30 feet altitude.
- Operating low maximizes aerodynamic efficiency while keeping the vehicle within the maritime domain.
Separate Harbor Operations From Takeoff
- Use hydrofoils to separate harbor maneuvers from takeoff so craft can operate safely in congested waterways.
- Run as a boat at the dock, hydrofoil through the harbor, then take off only in open water to avoid traffic conflicts.