#USA #Samson Sky #Switchblade #Oshkosh #Electric Aircraft

The Future of Flying Cars: Insights from Samson Sky

Recently at the 19th annual Electric Aircraft Symposium, held at the University of Wisconsin in Oshkosh, Sam Bousfield, the CEO of Samson Sky and the innovative mind behind the Switchblade flying sports car, took center stage as a panelist. This two-day event brought together over 40 industry leaders in electric aviation to explore the advancements in air mobility technology.

Bousfield’s panel discussion focused on Regional Air Mobility (RAM), highlighting the crucial role that flying cars, particularly the Switchblade, can play in transforming how we think about travel over distances of 250 to 500 miles. According to Bousfield, an impressive 21 million Americans travel regionally each year, making this an extremely relevant topic in the evolving transportation landscape.

The Switchblade Advantage

The Switchblade stands out as a flexible hybrid electric vehicle capable of functioning both on roads and in the sky. One of its unique features is that it can be parked in a regular garage, utilizing existing airport infrastructure for takeoff and landing. The design encapsulates its flying components—wings, tail, and propellers—when driving, making it not only innovative but also a safe travel option.

Bousfield elaborated on several advantages of the Switchblade for regional travelers:
1. Road and Air Performance: The Switchblade is engineered to perform excellently both as a vehicle and an aircraft, providing a seamless travel experience.
2. Safety Features: Its flying components are fully enclosed during driving, ensuring insurability and safety on the road.
3. No Technological Hurdles: Unlike many products requiring significant technological breakthroughs, the Switchblade can go into production without major innovations. The company is in the process of building its first of three production test vehicles.
4. Affordability: Positioned as a reasonably priced option compared to other air mobility solutions, the Switchblade aims to be accessible for a wider audience.

Collaborating for a Vibrant Future

The Electric Aircraft Symposium drew major players in the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry, including representatives from Joby Aviation, Wisk Aero, and Bye Aerospace. During the event, Bousfield expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with leading experts and share insights on their respective technologies.

“The chance to interact face-to-face with these industry leaders is invaluable. We learnt from one another, aiming to enhance the relevance and utility of our products. It’s exhilarating to witness a flourishing industry, where collaboration fuels faster growth,” noted Bousfield.

Bousfield participated in a specific panel dedicated to Regional Air Mobility alongside other notable experts, including David Copeland from Bristell Aircraft and Drew McEwen from AURA AERO. The symposium was supported by the recent regulatory approvals from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, making it clear that the future of flying cars like the Switchblade is not just a faraway dream but an emerging reality.

The Switchblade in Action

For those unfamiliar, the Switchblade is not only a vehicle but also a viable air travel option. It boasts the ability to fly up to 450 miles on a single tank of premium auto gas with an estimated air cruise speed of around 160 mph. When transitioning from land to air travel, the process is as simple as pressing a button that activates the wings and tail, preparing the vehicle for takeoff.

As the automotive and aviation industries converge, products like the Switchblade signify a groundbreaking change in how we approach travel. Interested individuals can learn more about the Switchblade and track its production progress at SamsonSky.com.

Please note that the Switchblade is classified as an Experimental aircraft. The FAA does not provide certification for this category; instead, it certifies aircraft produced in a factory setting.