Summary
- The Samson Sky Switchblade completed its maiden flight, marking a major achievement for the flying car.
- The flight data will be used to finalize the production of several prototypes.
- With its unique hybrid electric system and street-legal status, the Switchblade can transform from a car to a flying vehicle in under three minutes.
The Samson Sky Switchblade, one of the most sought-after flying cars, marked a major achievement in its development as it completed its maiden flight in Washington State. While the flight was relatively short, The Samson Sky team will reportedly use the flight’s data to finalize the production of several prototypes.
Known as “The Flying Sports Car,” the Switchblade is designed to shave down 10-hour road trips into three-and-a-half-hour trips from door to door. The milestone comes after 14 years spent designing the flying car, which is estimated to start at $170,000.
Conducting the first flight
The Switchblade’s first flight occurred at Grant County International Airport, where Boeing and other aircraft manufacturers typically perform flight testing. Robert Moehle, a veteran test pilot, was at the command of the experimental aircraft, according to Samson Sky. Moehle reportedly devoted years of work on the Switchblade to make creator, designer, and CEO Sam Bousfield’s dream of a true high-performance flying car possible.
“The Switchblade handled great,” the test pilot stated. “I’m excited to be the first to fly it away from the ground.”
Cloudy skies and calm winds were in the forecast for the maiden flight. Team members from Samson Sky were positioned along the runway and watched the flying car lift off for the first time and climb to an altitude of 500 feet. Remaining in the air for six minutes, the Switchblade flew over the airfield and surrounding foothills before it touched down, marking a successful flight.
A dream come true
Bousfield spoke about the recent achievement for the Switchblade program.
“Today is the culmination of many years of hard work and persistence to make the vision of a flying sports car a reality. Someone asked me how it felt to see the Switchblade fly. I thought about it, and realized this is what it feels like when your dreams come true.”
Data from flight testing will be used to finish production engineering, allowing Samson Sky to build several prototypes. The Switchblade can drive at a maximum speed of 125+ miles per hour (201 km/h). In flight, the flying car can travel at an estimated speed of 190 mph (305 km/h) and reach as high as 13,000 feet. With a unique hybrid electric system, the vehicle uses unleaded auto gas instead of leaded aviation fuel, allowing wonders to fuel up at any gas station. The engine powers the wheels when it is on the ground and the propeller when it is airborne, while it is also designed to allow for either right-hand or left-hand drive, depending on where it is being driven.
Being street-legal, owners will be able to drive the flying car from home to a nearby airport. From there, they can put the vehicle into flying mode, a transformation that reportedly takes less than three minutes, and then fly it to a destination as far as 500 miles away.
“Producing thousands”
Since it is classified as an Experimental Category Aircraft, owners must build 51% of the vehicle, according to Samson Sky. The company said the process is simplified as trained staff will be available to educate and offer guidance, which will speed up the process.
“After 14 years of design and rigorous testing, our first flight is a huge milestone,” Bousfield said. “This puts us on the path towards producing thousands of Switchblades to meet the large and enthusiastic demand we’re receiving.”
Over 2,300 reservations for the vehicle have been made across 57 countries and all 50 states within the US.