Flying Car Folds Wings, Drives to Airport

Samson Sky's Switchblade flying car is nearing U.S. production following an $80 million investment from Dubai-based Matin Group. This funding will aid in establishing an 180,000-square-foot production facility in the United States, although specific locations are still under negotiation. The company aims to raise an additional $20 million to fully fund its production plan.

The Switchblade is designed to operate as both a road-legal vehicle and an aircraft. Its wings, tail, and propeller retract within the body, allowing it to fit in a standard garage and transforming in about three minutes for flight. The vehicle requires access to an airport for takeoff and landing.

Samson plans for customers to receive their Switchblades starting in summer 2027, with an estimated starting price of $200,000 for the VFR kit and $235,000 for the IFR version. Buyers must participate in the Builder Assist program, meeting the Experimental Amateur-Built category's 51% rule, and will also need a private pilot certificate.

Performance targets include a maximum airspeed of 190 mph and a range of 450 miles, with a road speed of 100 mph. The company intends to use three production prototypes for further testing around the end of 2026 or early 2027. The vehicle utilizes a hybrid-electric system where a gasoline engine powers a generator for electric motors.