NEWS  News  November 11, 2023  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

In a milestone achievement, the Samson Flying Car, formally known as the Samson Sky Switchblade, has taken to the skies a year after receiving airworthiness approval from the FAA. After 14 years of development, the street-legal three-wheeler seamlessly transforms into a 200-mph (320-km/h) airplane at the touch of a button.

The inaugural flight at Grant Country International Airport in Moses Lake, Washington, saw the Switchblade soar to an altitude of 500 ft (150 m), completing a thrilling journey within six minutes. Sam Bousfield, CEO and mastermind behind the Switchblade, expressed enthusiasm, stating:

"After 14 years of design and rigorous testing, our first flight is a huge milestone, putting us on the path towards producing thousands to meet the large and enthusiastic demand."

Samson Sky reports over 2,300 reservations for the Switchblade from 57 countries, underlining a significant global interest in this innovative roadable aircraft. Classified as a motorcycle in many jurisdictions, the three-wheel design streamlines the street accreditation process.

Sold as an experimental/homebuilt aircraft, purchasers are required to assemble more than half of it themselves, aided by Samson's Builder Assist Center, offering the necessary tools and supervision for a week-long construction. In street mode, the two-seat vehicle achieves speeds exceeding 125 mph (200 km/h), while in flight mode, it reaches up to 200 mph (322 km/h) and 13,000 ft (400 m) of altitude. The hybrid power system, fueled by regular 91-octane pump gas, delivers an impressive 500 miles (805 km) of range from a 36-gallon (125 L) tank.

Though the transition from car to plane takes approximately three minutes, the automated process involves extending the tail and unfolding the wings from under the chassis. While the Switchblade demands a minimum of 1,100 ft (335 m) of clear tarmac for takeoff, its unique feature allows users to park it in a regular garage rather than requiring hangar space.

Despite the absence of a confirmed production date, Samson assures that flight test data will contribute to finalizing production engineering and constructing several prototypes. The Switchblade, akin to the Klein Vision flying car, has successfully proven its capabilities in both modes, marking a significant leap forward in the realm of futuristic transportation.