According to Bousfield, the Switchblade is made from a thermoplastic carbon fiber previously only used by Boeing and Airbus. They’ve developed a new process that cuts production time on certain parts from several hours to only 20 minutes. Moreover, the technique is non-toxic and fully recyclable.
The cockpit/cabin will look familiar to drivers (see above rendering), yet includes all the additional instrumentation and gauges needed to fly. When flight mode is engaged, the wheels automatically stop working, and the “steering wheel” is used to operate wing ailerons and tail elevators, while gas and brake pedals adjust the rudders.
The base model comes in two versions. The Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Kit lets pilots fly only during clear weather conditions and costs $170,000. The Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) Kit (at $195,000) allows flight through clouds and zero visibility conditions as long as it has adequate instrumentation (and approval). A “special” edition will be available starting at $330,000, and a “limited” edition at $770,000.
Aside from the driver’s license (for an automobile or motorcycle, depending on local laws), a private pilot’s license is required to fly, which could cost an additional $6,000 to $20,000.
Veteran test pilot Robert Moehle flew the Switchblade on its maiden flight and said it “handled great.” Samson has already received over 2,300 reservations from 57 countries and every state in the U.S. But it’s just the next step in the journey, because full-scale production is at least two more years away.
