Samson Sky Switchblade // eVTOL Aircraft Overview by TransportUP

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.

Samson Sky

Stage of Development

Preliminary Design

Prototype Build

Flight Testing

Certification

Commercially Operating

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.