In case you missed any of the newsletters in recent months, I wanted to summarize here (skip these top two paragraphs if you read the last eNewsletter):

We have been working on production engineering for the Switchblade and were tweaking the design to get the improvements needed for production vehicles. After First Flight of the prototype last November (which went spectacularly by the way) we finalized a handful of important improvements to be made before we go into production. A key area to improve was our speed targets – and after much investigation found that we would not be able to meet those with the single large ducted fan in the rear. We worked intensively to get an alternate method of propulsion, which we accomplished, and added in the rest of the improvements we had slated for production vehicles. I can tell you, the updates to the design and engineering are exciting!

These updates greatly reduced the drag and improved thrust efficiency to the point where we felt we had a design that we could take to the market. We are applying proven propulsor methods to solve the thrust/drag issues we found with our flying prototype. Those many aspects of the Switchblade that were proven to work well during flight testing have been kept. Past newsletters have shown that design work, so if you haven’t read past newsletters, please check those out. We’re adding a “Latest Updates” section to our website in the coming weeks with all past newsletter updates so you can always check in on what’s happening in the Samson Sky world.

Countdown to Broad Release of New Design

We are fast approaching the week of AirVenture in late July, when we will broadly announce the new design of the body to take advantage of the new propulsion methods we have found. AirVenture begins August 22nd and we will have a press conference on Tuesday, July 23rd. The new body shape stretched the vehicle design slightly, but allowed us to store wings, tail and propellers inside the vehicle completely, leaving no trace of a flying vehicle while in ground mode. You can see the teaser in the header above, and the change of wing sweep making it look more jet-like is evident even in this sketch rendering.

Our presence at AirVenture will include the flying prototype, along with the wind tunnel model to show the hew body design. We kept the existing wing location and wing swing that gives the Switchblade its name. The tail is simplified in operation and conversion between ground and flight modes. The wing is bigger and swept back slightly for aerodynamic reasons. The bigger wing allows us to increase the maximum gross take-off weight of the vehicle to include more fuel, bigger people, and also to reduce our landing speed for greater safety. We hope to see you there, or at least spot our press coverage of the new improvements as we head into production.

Bank Financing For Future Owners

Oregon Coast Bank announced recently that they will take applications for bank financing of Switchblade purchases. This is not only an incredible advantage for our future customers, but a big validation of the project as well. Applicants from US residents of any state may apply for this financing option, which can be expanded to also include the cost of pilot training for those who have yet to obtain a private pilot certificate required to fly the Switchblade. Of course, you can drive the Switchblade with a drivers license in most US states, and then use the Switchblade as your training aircraft to further reduce the cost of pilot training. One of the biggest expenses in training is aircraft rental. This is just another way that the Switchblade can reduce the cost of a flying and driving lifestyle.

Additionally, you would not need to pay rental costs of a hangar or pay tie down fees at the airport. Your vehicle takes you door to door and is stored safely in your garage. You can see the bank offer on their website here:  https://www.oregoncoastbank.com/samson-switchblade-program 

Production Engineering Through Critical Stage

Production Engineering involves a series of Engineering Review Committee meetings to compare the results being generated in Production Engineering to the initial design criteria and specifications. The first session was to review Performance Specifications, and later sessions involved an in-depth review of the different systems of the vehicle including front suspension and steering, wing swing, tail retraction, flight controls, cockpit space, and more. Over the several sessions, it was found that with minor and correctable exceptions, the design work met the requirements set up years ago as far as how the Switchblade should perform.

There is significant work left in Production Engineering, and we will be bringing in consultants to help with different specialties including composites (carbon fiber parts and assembly), hybrid electric design, seat design, and lighting. On a parallel path, we are now ready to send the body to the automotive design specialists who will help us craft the final aesthetic design shape of the Switchblade.

We went to the Kirsten Wind Tunnel at the University of Washington some months ago to validate that the improved shapes and vehicle layout would provide as good or better flying qualities as the original flying prototype design. That was successful, as we have explained earlier. However, there remained the final touch which is provided by stylists who are artists with the skill to subtly craft the exterior of the Switchblade without altering the basic aerodynamic performance we have already established at the wind tunnel.

Once the styling has been done and validated in our aerodynamic computer programs as still meeting our aerodynamic requirements, we can begin structural design of the carbon fiber body, wing, and tail parts and start making the parts for the first Production Prototype. At the same time, we will begin designing the production fixtures that hold the parts together as they are assembled into the completed vehicle. This is a major step in the process of bringing the vehicle into a production-ready status.

We may not be at the level of Tesla production by a long shot, but we are using many of the same production techniques, including robotic and computer-controlled part making, drilling, and trimming. This computerized aspect will enable us to maintain a high-quality level of parts manufacturing and assembly for this futuristic and capable flying car. An example is the high-tech electric generator for our hybrid electric system, shown in the image below. This will convert power from the gas engine into electricity to run the electric motors for propellers and wheels.

Reservations and Deposits

We want to clarify that there are still two ways to Reserve a Switchblade.

Option A): Become a Depositor

Reserve with a $500 non-refundable deposit. Depositors will receive an Early Fixed Delivery Position. They will receive their Welcome Pack as a confirmed Depositor for their Switchblade. They are also invited to take part in the design of the Switchblade by participating in our Depositor surveys and can purchase Switchblade Gear at a discount.

Option B): Become a Reservation Holder

You can currently Reserve with no money down. When you make a Reservation, you become a highly regarded Reservation Holder and will be assigned a Reservation Number which signals your future intention to purchase and allows us to communicate with you about Switchblade production plans and pricing. There is no cost at this time to become a Reservation Holder. However, if you would like to get an early fixed delivery position, you would need to become a Depositor.

So, to recap:
Depositor = fixed Delivery Position ahead of Reservation Holders
Reservation Holder = a statement that you want to purchase, and you join the group of future thinkers who will receive advanced notice about production, pricing, and performance

Please note: All funds are credited towards your future purchase of a Switchblade kit that includes the Builder Assist program. Making your deposit does not obligate you to buy, should circumstances change. The Depositor has claimed a fixed Delivery Position ahead of all Reservation Holders. This also gives Depositors the easiest and least expensive way to gain an earlier Delivery Position. 

Investment Opportunity Opened for Accredited Investors Only

Samson has opened our first major fundraising for large investment to get the Switchblade into production. This is called a Reg D Series A (first major fundraise), and we are VERY pleased with the response and interest. This particular investment is reserved for Accredited Investors only due to the large dollars being sought. If you ever wondered whether you qualified as an Accredited Investor, you can check out the requirements here:
What Is An Accredited Investor? – Forbes Advisor

To learn more about this opportunity, please use the Investor Inquiry form on the website:
https://www.samsonsky.com/investors/

Want to re-watch our most popular video? Here it is:

Latest Hot Press Coverage

Sam Bousfield
Captain, Switchblade Team