Editor's note: We misreported that Sam Bousfield is the inventer of the Blackfly eVTOL. He has no connection with the vehicle or the company.
Sam Bousfield's Samson Motors has been around for nearly a decade, if not more, and their flying car, in the style of roadable aircraft, the Switchblade, has been in development for just about as long. In fact, someone on staff can clearly remember early concept drawings and information on the vehicle. But soon, that concept will become a reality.
At EAA Oshkosh 2019, Mr Bousfield shared some performance specs on the streamlined, futuristic looking craft. Apparently, the vehicle will reach speeds of up to 125 mph on the ground and 190 mph in flight. Indeed, it will be something that will be efficient in the ground and the air.
In the midst of many news outlets and websites dismissing flying cars as a sort of sham and saying the concept is inconceivable - the Switchblade is proving them wrong. The Switchblade is constructed of carbon fiber and has a tri-wheel set up. It's wings are retracted underneath and within the fuselage when in ground mode.
What makes this vehicle very unique compared to other flying cars, like, eVTOL aircraft is it's functionality. Unlike the electric vehicles - the Switchblade will act as a proper airplane in flight mode and will travel distances of up to 345 miles. Not only does it have excellent range - it has much less airspace restrictions compared to ultralights, which have very strict guidelines on their operation. For example, an ultralight is usually restricted to areas of low population density and no passengers (pilot only), whereas the Switchblade will be able to fly with two - the pilot and one passenger. Speaking of pilot, you will need to have a private pilot's license in order to operate this plane in the sky. But who says you can't earn it while training in your own Switchblade?
Where is this vehicle in development? Pretty far along. According to samsonsky.com, the Switchblade is "months away" from its first flight. They also predict that it will go on sale about a year afterwards - so roughly late 2020/early-mid 2021.
The price of $150,000 while pricey, will be a great deal when compared to a traditional plane like the Cessna 172, which goes for upwards of $300,000 new... and you can't even take it to a drive-thru!
- Flying Car Trends
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