Its takeoff speed of 88 mph means that it is also a time machine.
This is an important occasion, friends. Samson Sky is currently working on a fun, sporty, easy-to-drive vehicle that’s a combination of a motorcycle, flier, and car. The Switchblade is its name and was introduced over ten years ago. It was a decade of hard work that culminated in it driving down a runway at 88 mph. This raises the question, “Is this a flying car or a time machine?”
For now, the answer is no. The Switchblade did not take off and, as you can see from the Samson Sky image, no of its aero components were deployed. The press release (viewable below) states that the Switchblade was performing a runway test to prove its ability to reach the same speed as any hatchback economy. Car lovers who enjoy science fiction will know that Doc Brown’s DeLorean is capable of traveling at 88 mph. This speed can be achieved if you fill Mr. Fusion with beer, bananas peels or other trash.
Samson Sky refers to the Switchblade as a time machine. The company emphasizes the Switchblade’s ability to fly as a way of traveling through time. This reduces the time required for longer trips and door-to-door travel. Although it isn’t exactly time traveling in the broadest sense, we get the point. Despite the claims of Top Gear racers, flying is the fastest way to travel. There’s no doubt that driving to the airport, taking off and landing at your destination, and then finishing the journey in one vehicle is much more convenient than flying.
Samson Sky claims that the Switchblade can travel at 125 mph on the roads and cruise at 160 at sea level. Its folding wings allow you to switch between ground and sky with the touch of a button. This is theoretically true, but the flying car concept has yet to take flight. It still requires a valid airport to fly, and that also means that the pilot will need a pilot’s licence. It is more difficult and expensive to get one than a driver’s licence at your local DMV.
Samson Sky claims it still has 1,313 Switchblade reservations coming from interested parties around the globe. We are hopeful that the Switchblade will fly in 11 years, with buyers still waiting for their wings.