Samson Sky's Switchblade Flying Car Secures $80 Million Investment for U.S. Production
The hybrid-electric aircraft, which transforms from a road vehicle to an airplane, targets a summer 2027 launch.
Samson Sky has announced an $80 million investment from Dubai-based Matin Group, a significant step towards establishing U.S. production for its Switchblade flying car. The company is aiming for a summer 2027 launch of the vehicle, which is designed to drive on roads and then convert into an aircraft.
Redesigned for Production
The latest iteration of the Switchblade features a design where its wings, tail, and propeller are fully enclosed within the vehicle during driving mode. Samson states this transformation process takes approximately three minutes, allowing the vehicle to be driven from a garage to a nearby airport, converted for flight, and then back again upon landing. This design aims to allow the Switchblade to fit into a standard garage while protecting its flight components. Unlike some other emerging aerial vehicles, the Switchblade requires a runway for takeoff and landing.
The company's previous prototype successfully completed its first flight on November 5, 2023. Since then, Samson has worked on refining the design for production, including increasing the engine size. The company plans to utilize three production prototypes for further testing around late 2026 or early 2027.
Performance Targets and Powertrain
Samson is targeting a maximum airspeed of 190 mph, a flying range of 450 miles, and a road speed of 100 mph. The vehicle is powered by a hybrid-electric drivetrain, using a gasoline engine to generate electricity for motors that drive the wheels on the ground and the propellers in flight. The Switchblade has a 44-gallon fuel capacity and is designed to run on 91-octane automotive gasoline.
Production and Funding Hurdles
The $80 million investment is earmarked for establishing Samson Sky's first 180,000-square-foot production facility in the U.S. The company has formed a joint venture with Matin Group to manage this phase. While the exact factory location is yet to be determined, Samson Sky's R&D facility will remain in Prineville, Oregon, with three potential U.S. production sites under consideration. However, Samson still needs to raise an additional $20 million to fully fund its current production plan.
Purchase and Operational Requirements
Samson estimates the Switchblade VFR (Visual Flight Rules) kit will start at $200,000, with the IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) version priced at $235,000. Production is slated to begin with customers who hold early reservation positions, with a general release to follow. A unique aspect of purchasing the Switchblade is that buyers are required to participate in the "Builder Assist" program, fulfilling the FAA's 51% rule for amateur-built aircraft, which mandates that the majority of the fabrication and assembly must be done by the owner. Samson estimates this process can take as little as one week.
Pilots will need a private pilot certificate to operate the Switchblade in the air, and ground licensing requirements may vary by location. This requirement distinguishes it from electric air taxis designed for vertical takeoff and landing. The Switchblade's ability to maintain its utility as a road vehicle after landing offers a unique proposition for regional travel, eliminating the need for rental cars or other transportation upon arrival.