美「隨扈」翼地效應無人機首飛成功

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「隨扈」無人機原型完成首飛。（圖片取自REGENT Craft公司網站)

REGENT Craft推進新型海上機動載具　布局印太作戰

REGENT Craft Advances Maritime Mobility for Indo-Pacific Operations

美國新創公司REGENT Craft為國防任務打造的「隨扈」（Squire）翼地效應無人機原型，近日完成首次飛行測試，達成關鍵研發里程碑，並有望使美國在該新興技術領域維持領先地位。

U.S. startup REGENT Craft has successfully completed the first flight of its “Squire” wing-in-ground (WIG) effect drone prototype, marking a major development milestone and positioning the U.S. at the forefront of this emerging technology.

完成海上首飛　邁入飛行測試新階段

Successful Offshore Flight Marks Transition to Advanced Testing

REGENT Craft指出，在取得United States Coast Guard核准後，團隊持續進行等比例原型測試，並於羅德島外海完成首飛，創下美國國防專用翼地效應載具的首次飛行紀錄，象徵該機已完成地面驗證，正式進入飛行測試階段。

After receiving approval from the U.S. Coast Guard, REGENT Craft conducted a series of prototype tests and successfully carried out the first offshore flight near Rhode Island. This marks the first flight of a U.S. defense-focused WIG vehicle and signals the transition from ground testing to advanced flight trials.

強化自主與航電能力　因應印太戰略需求

Enhancing Autonomy and Avionics for Indo-Pacific Missions

公司執行長Billy Thalheimer表示，此次試飛對美國國防計畫具有重大意義，未來將持續驗證自主控制、航電系統與作戰半徑等性能，提升整體作戰能力，以支援美軍海上行動並因應印太地區安全挑戰。

CEO Billy Thalheimer stated that the flight represents a major achievement for U.S. defense programs. The company will continue testing autonomous control, avionics, and operational range to enhance mission capability in support of maritime operations, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

8具電動旋翼　具高速與模組化運用優勢

Eight Electric Rotors Enable Speed and Modular Flexibility

根據資料顯示，「隨扈」配備8具電動旋翼，最高速度可達80節（約148公里／時）、最大航程逾160公里，並可攜帶約23公斤酬載；採模組化艙間設計，僅需2人即可快速更換任務裝備。

The Squire is equipped with eight electric rotors, reaching speeds of up to 80 knots (148 km/h) and a range exceeding 160 kilometers, with a payload capacity of about 23 kilograms. Its modular design allows rapid reconfiguration by just two personnel.

強化海上多任務能力　拓展無人作戰應用

Expanding ISR, Logistics, and Rescue Capabilities at Sea

未來若獲美軍採用，「隨扈」將可在基礎設施有限環境中執行情監偵、後勤運輸與戰鬥搜救（CSAR）等任務，大幅提升部隊機動性與作戰彈性。

If adopted by the U.S. military, the Squire could support ISR, logistics, and combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions in austere environments, significantly enhancing operational flexibility and mobility.

「總督」計畫同步推進　獲陸戰隊關注

“Viceroy” Program Also Gains U.S. Marine Corps Interest

此外，REGENT Craft另一款翼地效應機「總督」（Viceroy）已獲Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory青睞並取得合約，目前正持續推進測試與評估工作。

In parallel, REGENT Craft’s larger “Viceroy” WIG platform has secured a contract from the U.S. Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory and is undergoing further testing and evaluation.

翼地效應原理　提升升力降低阻力

WIG Effect: Increased Lift and Reduced Drag Near Surface

「翼地效應」是指航空器在低空飛行時，機翼下方氣流與地面產生作用，提升升力並降低阻力，使飛行器能以較低能耗維持穩定飛行，是結合船舶與航空器特性的關鍵技術。

The wing-in-ground effect occurs when an aircraft flies close to the surface, where airflow interaction increases lift and reduces drag, enabling efficient and stable flight with lower energy consumption—a key hybrid between maritime and aviation technologies.