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The Future is Near and it’s a Switchblade…..

Remember the movies Back to the Future? When he went to the future and the cars flew? Well it looks like we are not far from that now. Introducing the Switchblade by Samson Motor Works . You probably noticed that a lot of different versions of flying motorcycles but the Switchblade is actually on its way to being mass produced. To drive it on the ground all you need is a valid driver’s license with the motorcycle addition. You would be required to obtain a Private Pilot Certificate to fly it.  The manufacturer is going to offer flight training packages along with the purchase of the Switchblade. Now here are the details of this beauty.

The Switchblade is a three-wheeled, fully enclosed vehicle that you drive from your garage to a local airport. Once there, you swing the wings out and fly directly to your destination at up to 200 mph, at altitudes to 10,000 feet. You simply land and swing the wings closed, continuing on wherever you want to go.

The Ferrari-inspired clean shape is designed to produce a down-force in gusty wind conditions, stabilizing the lightweight vehicle on the road. The wings are set at the correct angle so you literally fly the plane off the runway. It has side-by-side seating, room for 50 pounds of luggage (golf clubs, etc.), and a wide cabin. You can drive the Switchblade to any public airport to take off, and may land at the same, or any other, public airport. You can also take off and land from any private airport where you have privileges.

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They have 3 different engine’s to pick from

170 hp Suzuki Hayabusa

190 hp Motus

160 hp Motus

Here are some performance numbers

Performance
Speed on ground
100+ mph / 161 kph

Maximum speed in air
190 mph / 305 kph

Cruise speed in air
160 mph / 257 kph

0-60 mph
6.5 seconds

Stall speed
67 mph / 108 kph

It uses regular unleaded fuel so you won’t have to worry about trying to find the fuel for it.

Mileage
Fuel economy on ground
40+ mpg

Fuel economy in air
25 mpg

The Fuel capacity is 16 gal including reserve / 60 liters

The have several different options they offer including a winterized option and a rugged option.

The weight of it is only  1,550 LB (Gross Take-off Weight). It is 15′-6? long / 4.8m (ground mode) or 17′-6? long / 5.3m (flight mode), Width of 5′-6? / 1.7m and Height of 5′-1? / 1.5m. The entire wing span is 23′-6? / 7.2m.
Now 51% is built by the person purchasing the Switchblade.  The kit is delivered to you majorly assembled. The will provide you with professional assistance if requested. 6057118010_93012b3d21_b


STANDARD FEATURES

Driver adjustable seat, continuously variable transmission with reverse and flight mode, leather interior, safety glass front windshield, windshield wiper, lexan side windows, heating & air conditioning, seat belts, front and rear disc brakes, extendable wings and tail, dual ground/air lighting system, redundant ignition and fuel systems, front and rear crumple zones, side impact beams in the doors, and ballistic parachute recovery system for the whole vehicle.
Standard Instrument Package Option provides:
Navigation radios, ELT (emergency location transmitter), video rear view monitor and cameras, turn by turn ground GPS, mp3 player, glass cockpit (flight instruments), and custom dashboard. Instruments include: 7? Dynon Skyview, 10? Dynon Skyview, Garmin AERA 550, Garmin GMA 340, Garmin SL30, Garmin GTX 330. (Additional Options online)



How soon will they be available?
According to Samson Motor Works the current schedule, kit deliveries should begin first quarter 2013.


How much do they cost?

Target price of the kit is $60k without engine or avionics, resulting in an overall targeted price of approximately $85k. Much of this will be determined by the actual price of the kit, and the engine choice that the builders make.


How do I purchase one?

At this time, we are taking refundable deposits of $2,000 US for early kit delivery slots. Deposits will be accepted via mail, phone and Internet CLICK HERE to review and download the deposit agreement form. When you are 90 days from delivery, we will ask that the deposit convert to a non-refundable deposit to maintain your delivery slot, and there may be an additional deposit due at that time.6677226545_679a4ce7da_b

So if you are looking for your next project, why not check this out.

Go to www.samsonmotorworks.com for more details on the Switchblade.

Check out the cool video.

They have lots more videos on the website of the actual prototype and speed tests.

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