Flying car ‘Switchblade’ with folding wings makes maiden flight as 2,300 people have signed up to buy £160k machine
A UNIQUE flying three-wheeler is all set to pave the way for cars in the air.
A year after being pronounced airworthy by the FAA, the Samson Sky Switchblade lifted off for an exhilarating first flight at the Grant Country International Airport in Washington.
The incredible flying car reached an impressive altitude of 500ft before circling in mid-air for six minutes.
After achieving the marvellous feat, Samson Sky CEO and designer of the Switchblade Sam Bousfield said: ” After 14 years of design and rigorous testing, our first flight is a huge milestone.
“This puts us on the path towards producing thousands of Switchblades to meet the large and enthusiastic demand we’re receiving.”
The highly-anticipated two-seater has already received 2,300 Reservations from 57 countries and all 50 States in the US.
At first glance, the Switchblade seems like a normal motor that would fit right in your garage.
But with two wings and a tail that folds out with just a touch of a button, the street-legal three-wheeler can convert to a 200-mph aircraft in no time.
The aircraft can then be flown to the airport nearest your destination – at up to 200mph and within a range of 450 miles.
It can reach an altitude of 13,000 feet.
Upon landing, users transform the flying sports car back to driving mode – the wings and tail safely stowed and protected – and drive to their final destination.
Each Switchblade comes in a DIY kit form, which includes engine, transmission, avionics, interiors and Samson Builder Assist Program.
The Samson Team said they will use the flight test data to finalise production engineering and build several production prototypes.
The Switchblade comes in two kit types, a £139k one which permits a pilot to operate in clear weather conditions, and a £160k version to fly under different weather conditions, including flying into clouds and with zero visibility.
The vehicle has a unique hybrid electric system, which uses regular unleaded auto gas rather than leaded aviation fuel.
While a private pilot’s license is required to fly the Switchblade, Samson Sky says they are seeing reservations coming in from non-pilots who plan to learn to fly this incredible piece of motor.