Samson Sky has revealed details about the specialised hybrid electric drive system powering the Switchblade.

Consequently, the vehicle successfully completed its monumental First Flight in November 2023. Furthermore, company officials say their exclusive Skybrid Technology™ makes many advantages possible. Specifically, these include energy savings & the convenience of fuelling up at any gas station. Thus, this innovation makes it truly practical to own & operate this flying vehicle.

Significantly, a 260 hp four-cylinder internal combustion engine powers Samson’s proprietary Skybrid Technology. Moreover, the automotive industry directly supplies this liquid-cooled engine. Additionally, the engine runs on premium auto gas rather than expensive leaded aviation fuel. Currently, Samson is modifying the engine for aircraft use & has re-badged it as the Samson-4.

Operationally, the gas engine powers a generator, which directs power to electric motors. Subsequently, these motors power the wheels when driving or separate motors for propellers when flying. For safety, there are two electric motors in each of the two propeller pods for redundancy. According to the website, Skybrid provides the flying car with another benefit: reverse thrust.

Essentially, reverse thrust is a system that temporarily redirects thrust opposite to forward motion. “It actually acts like a drag parachute, which provides air brake assist & slows down the plane on the runway after touchdown,” said Sam Bousfield, CEO of Samson Sky & designer of the Switchblade. Furthermore, the vehicle also features high-performance racing brakes at all wheels.

“By running the motors directly from the generator to the wheels & the propellers, it is simpler, lighter, more efficient, & only a small battery pack will be required,” said Bousfield. “There is very little wasted energy, which means less fuel is needed to travel the same distance.”

Bousfield concluded, “The takeaway here is that this flying sports car enables you to drive & fly wherever you want, on your own schedule. And as a pilot, I can tell you that the freedom you will feel & the breathtaking views you will see while flying the Switchblade will be incredible!”

Notably, the Switchblade Flying Sports Car is a street-legal, hybrid electric vehicle. Therefore, it delivers high performance both on the road & in the air. Simply, you park the Switchblade in your garage & drive it to a nearby airport. Once there, the wings swing out & the tail extends in under three minutes.

Next, you fly your registered aircraft to the airport nearest your destination. Then, you land, transform back to driving mode, & drive the last few miles. Conveniently, the wings & tail are safely stowed & protected during this drive. Impressively, the Switchblade seats two & flies up to 500 miles on a single tank. (Source: Samson Sky)

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Please Note: The Switchblade is an Experimental category aircraft. Therefore, the FAA does not provide Certification for this specific category of aircraft. Instead, the owner must build 51% of the vehicle at the Samson Builder Assist Centre. Finally, following this week-long process, Samson will complete the vehicle.

Media Contact:
Gail Gallegos
+1 (916) 769-6979
GailG@SamsonSky.com