Samson Sky Switchblade

Quick Summary
The Samson Sky Switchblade is federally classified as a motorcycle - but it also flies. With room for a pilot plus one passenger, the Switchblade can both drive on roads and use runways to take off and land, using wings the fold out from storage underneath its body. The Switchblade prototype was featured at EAA AirVenture 2019, and has a target price of around $120,000.
Stage of Development
Preliminary Design
Technical Details
Aircraft Type: Intercity Roadable Aircraft
Powerplant: Samson 190 hp liquid-cooled V4
Range: 450 miles / 724 km
Top Speed: 200 mph / 322 kph
Propeller Configuration: A single rear ducted fan for flight
Passenger/Payload Capacity: 2 passengers, 544 lb / 247 kg
Autonomy Level: Piloted
Wingspan/Dimensions: 26.9 ft (8.2 m) // 20.2 ft (6.2 m) x 5.1 ft (1.5 m)
Additional Information
Estimated GTOW | 1,750 LB (Gross Take-off Weight) |
Length | 16.8 ft / 5.1 m (ground mode) |
Length | 20.2 ft / 6.2 m (flight mode) |
Vehicle Width | 6 ft / 1.8 m |
Height | 5.1 ft / 1.5 m |
Wing span | 26.9 ft / 8.2 m |
Wing loading | 26 psf / 127 kg/m2 |
Fuel capacity | 30 gal. including reserve / 114 L |
Performance
Maximum Airspeed | 200 mph / 322 kph |
Cruise speed | 160 mph / 257 kph |
Max driving speed | 125+ mph / 201+ kph |
Range | 450 miles / 724 km |
Fuel capacity | 30 gal / 114 L |
Take-off distance | 1,100 ft / 335 m |
Landing distance | 1,600 ft / 488 m |
Stall speed (with flaps) | 67 mph / 108 kph |
Max Takeoff Weight | 1,750 lb / 794 kg |
Payload |
544 lb / 247 kg |
Mileage
Fuel economy on ground | ~40 mpg / 17 km/L |
Fuel economy in air | ~9g/hr / 34 L/hr |
Type Fuel | 91 Octane Auto |
Engine
Samson 190hp liquid cooled V4
Our Take on Samson Sky
The Switchblade fits into a fairly unique class of 'road-able' aircraft, and is one of very few to make it this far towards production and sales. (Others include Pal-V, Aeromobil, and the Terrafugia Transition). Samson Sky's unveiling of its prototype at Air Venture 2019 was the company's largest publicity attraction to date, and has gained them a large amount of traction in terms of public awareness of the company. The target price of $120,000 for the vehicle is expensive, but comparable to that of a well-equipped general aviation aircraft, making it competitive for private ownership. Keep track of flight testing progress as Samson Sky is already taking pre-orders for the Switchblade.