Developer Readies “Flying Sports Car”

Oregon-based startup Samson Motors Inc. plans to launch its Switchblade flying car by the end of next year.

The three-wheel vehicle, which is classified as a motorcycle on the ground, has a retractable tail and wings that can be deployed in less than three minutes. A pilot’s license is required to fly the vehicle, which must be done from a public or private airport with an 1,100-ft runway for takeoffs and 1,600-ft for landings.

Samson describes the vehicle as a “flying sports car” due to the vehicle’s performance—including a power-to-weight ratio equivalent to that of a 2017 Corvette—and upscale interior. Power comes from a liquid-cooled 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine that generates 190 hp and can accelerate the car from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds on its way to a top ground speed of 125 mph.

In the air, the Switchblade has a cruising speed of 160 mph and can top out at 190 mph. Samson says the vehicle currently is certified to fly as high as 10,000 ft, which the company hopes to eventually increase to 13,000 ft. The list of standard equipment includes a vehicle parachute. The first public demonstration flight is scheduled for next spring.

The lightweight two-seater measures 201 inches from front to end (excluding the tail), which makes it about the same size as a Honda Accord. The vehicle can carry 50 lbs of luggage behind the seats. Samson estimates the vehicle, fueled with regular unleaded gasoline, will get about 35 mpg on the ground and burn nine gallons per hour when flying with a 450-mile range.

The vehicle is categorized as an experimental/home-built aircraft, which requires owners to complete at least 51% of the construction. Samson plans to sell the kit for $120,000. For an extra $20,000, owners can get professional instruction.