Flying Sports Car Takes First Flight

The day of the test flight presented cloudy skies and calm winds as the Switchblade reached an altitude of 500 feet. The flight lasted for approximately six minutes, and test pilot Robert Moehle stated that the flying car “handled great.”

According to Samson Sky, the Switchblade possesses a top driving speed of about 125 miles per hour and an estimated top flight speed of 190 miles per hour. The vehicle/aircraft also features a hybrid electric system that uses unleaded auto gas instead of leaded aviation fuel, allowing users to refuel at any autogas station. The engine powers the propeller in flight and the wheels on land.

The company claims that owners can park the Switchblade in their home garages, legally drive it to an airport with the wings and tail folded in, convert it into flying mode in about three minutes, and fly their registered aircraft at a cruising speed of 160 miles per hour for up to 500 miles before needing to refuel.

The Switchblade’s interior includes two side-by-side seats and space for small travel bags. Anticipating a global reach, the company designed the flying sports car to accommodate left-hand or right-hand drive. Samson Sky reported that it had already secured 2,300 reservations globally.

Samson Sky has also issued or applied for nine patents in the U.S. and internationally for the flying sports car. The vehicle/aircraft will cost an estimated $170,000, and buyers will need a Private Pilot’s license to fly it.

Nolan Beilstein, Contributing Editor