This vehicle here which flies and drives is called the Switchblade. But don’t worry—Miles Mayhem’s V.E.N.O.M. isn’t behind it. The company responsible is a U.S.-based aerospace startup called Samson Sky.
While it shares the same name as Mayhem’s ride of choice, the Samson Sky Switchblade isn’t a VTOL that turns into a fixed-wing aircraft; it’s a flying car. A hybrid-drive flying sports car, to be precise, powered by a fossil fuel engine that generates electricity to feed onboard electric motors. Samson calls this fancily named system the hybrid-electric “Skybrid” flying car drive system. The electric motors handle the wheels while on the ground, and separate electric motors spin the propellers for flight.
This is probably the closest thing you’ll get to Matt Trakker’s Thunderhawk. The latest design not only hides the wings but also makes the tail disappear—giving it a more car-like look when grounded (see video below). It seats two in a side-by-side configuration and even has space for luggage.
Like the Pal-V, it is a three-wheeler, but looks way more like an actual car. In case anyone’s wondering, yes, it is totally street-legal. This has to be the most car-like flying car yet after Xpeng. But if I can be honest, Switchblade is closest to our flying car fantasy since it is really an airplane rather than a VTOL.
The only bummer? You can’t just take off and land wherever you feel like, the way Matt did. You’ll need to head to a local airport to hit the skies. But once you’re there, it takes less than three minutes to free the wings and let the tail out—and then you’re off, flying up to 200 mph (174 knots) at altitudes of up to 13,000 feet.
Worth noting: the aircraft has to be registered. The Switchblade has an estimated MGTOW of 1,850 lbs (840 kg) and a max payload of 575 lbs (260 kg). In ground mode, it measures just 16.8 feet (5.1 meters) long, 6 feet (1.8 meters) wide, and 5.1 feet (1.5 meters) tall—making it friendly to standard home garages.
Three versions will be offered: the base Switchblade, Special Editions, and Limited Editions, with prices ranging from US$170,000 to a wallet-punching US$770,000. Ouch. Clearly, this isn’t for everyday people.
Images: Samson Sky.
