Samson Sky, a company developing the Switchblade flying car, has reported that it has completed its maiden flight in Washington State. The company says the first flight was flown out of the Moses Lake Airport/Grant County Airport, which is often used by Boeing and other major aircraft makers for flight testing.
“The Switchblade smoothly lifted off and flew to an altitude of 500 feet” according to the press release. “Flying high above the expansive airport and surrounding foothills, the Switchblade remained airborne for nearly six minutes, then lightly touched down, completing its maiden flight.
“Samson reports that Switchblade has secured over 2300 Reservations from 57 countries and all 50 States in the U.S..
“Because the Switchblade is such a unique vehicle, Samson opted for the Experimental Aircraft category. The Switchblade has a maximum driving speed of 125+ mph (201 km/h), and an estimated maximum flight speed of 190 mph (305 km/h). The vehicle has a unique hybrid electric system, which uses unleaded auto gas rather than leaded aviation fuel. Owners will be able to fuel up at any auto gas station. Over nine patents have been applied for or issued, both in the U.S. and internationally, for the Switchblade.
“Parked safely in their home garage, owners will be able to drive their street-legal Switchblade to a nearby airport. Once there, they transform the vehicle to flying mode in under three minutes and fly their registered aircraft to their destination up to 500 miles before refuelling, cruising at 160 mph.
“The Switchblade seats two, side-by-side, with room to store smaller travel bags. Its wings and tail fold in, protecting them while in driving mode. The engine powers the wheels on the ground and the propeller in the air. Estimated pricing starts at USD170,000. Included in the price is the Samson Builder Assist Program where owners will spend a week assembling their portion of the vehicle at the Build Centre.”
For more information
www.SamsonSky.com
(Image: SamsonSky)
