Largest all-electric flying machine begins sea trials

An all-electric “seaglider” that can transition between floating and flying has begun sea trials in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. The tests are a prelude to the vehicle’s first crewed flights, scheduled for later this year, which would make it the largest battery-powered flying machine in the world – albeit one that must remain just above the water’s surface.

Electric aircraft are tricky because they must carry heavy batteries, which…