The Samson Sky flying car could soon be buzzing around near you, once it gains the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval. The Switchblade flying car could literally be the answer to your traffic nightmares, as it manages to help you evade all kinds of roadblocks and curveballs on your way to work and play.
Federally, the Samson Sky Switchblade is a motorcycle. But when compared to other motorcycles, it is your classic Type-A overachiever. The Switchblade can be driven on roads and used on runaways to take off and land. Flying cars are required to meet high road and safety standards to be street-legal.
What is a Switchblade plane?
Until the last decade, flying cars were a part of science fiction. Not anymore. The Switchblade works like a plane but also functions as a car.
On July 15, the FAA flashed the yellow signal when it determined that the Samson Sky flying car was safe for flight testing. This could mean that the car might hit markets sooner than expected. Sam Bousfield, CEO of Samson Sky told The Hill that as the car has gained FAA approval, the next thing on the agenda is a test flight, before it can take to the streets. He added, “[The crew] took off their ‘I’m doing R&D,’ and they put on their ‘I am flight-test’ crew hats, and I think that really set the tone for everything after. We’re in a different game now.”
Samson Motorworks describes The Switchblade as “a three-wheel, street legal vehicle that you drive from your garage to a nearby local airport.”
The one-of-a-kind vehicle has been designed to offer all the amenities of a luxury car, including a hybrid-electric drive system. The Switchblade can accommodate a maximum of two people and reach an altitude of 16,000 feet. In the air, it is designed to cruise at 160 mph, with a top speed of up to 190 mph and a range of 500 miles. The height is low enough for the pilot and passenger to enjoy the view while driving. As it is equipped with wings, which fold into its sides when it lands, it makes for a smooth ride on the road and in the sky.
The Switchblade is expected to retail for around $170,000. Customers can reserve their flying cars with a deposit fee of $2000 that must be paid within 45 days after the first car takes flight.
Flying Cars in the Making
In September 2021, the company revealed that the Switchblade flying car already has customers in 45 countries. At the time, Bousfield also mentioned that the firm will make the Samson flying car available with left-drive or right-drive controls to satisfy customers in all parts of the world.
The Switchblade transitions from road to air is approximately three minutes which means that people are free to park their flying cars in the garage or drive them to the nearest airport. It is expected to reduce traveling time by almost 65% for the average driver. Bousfield stated that in September 2021, the Samson Sky flying car had nearly reached Reservation Position 1,500 and that he is elated to the excitement around the vehicle. As of today, the list has crossed the 1,600 mark.
Last year, the Terrafugia Transition made news when the company revealed that it will be looking to make a street-legal version by 2022. The Transition has a 27-foot wingspan, a range of roughly 400 miles, and a flight speed of about 100 mph. It will house a hybrid-electric motor and runs on premium gasoline or 100LL airplane fuel. The two-seater aircraft weighs roughly 1,300 pounds and is hopeful that they will receive all approvals by this year. Those interested in driving it will need both a regular driver’s license and a sport pilot’s certificate.
