00:09 27-11-2025

Switchblade flying car advances as hybrid system clears tests

Samson Sky has announced a new stage in the development of the Switchblade flying car. The model made its first flight in 2023, after which updates paused. The company now reports that its hybrid powertrain has completed initial bench testing.

The Switchblade is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder rated at 300 hp, working with an 800-volt hybrid system. On the ground, it delivers speeds of up to 160 km/h; in the air, it can reach 322 km/h and climb to 3,960 m. Transitioning from road mode to flight takes about three minutes, as the wings and tail deploy. The brief conversion time looks usable in everyday scenarios and suits the dual-role concept.

Because the Switchblade falls under experimental aviation, future owners will need not only a driver’s license but also a pilot certificate, and they must take part in the build: under the Builder Assist program, the user completes 51 percent of the work. That requirement signals an enthusiast-focused machine rather than a turnkey commuter, with involvement baked into the ownership experience.

At this stage, the hybrid system will undergo additional trials at the University of Dayton research center. After that, the power unit will be installed on a test truck to simulate a propeller’s load. The approach emphasizes proving the drivetrain step by step.

Interest remains strong: about 2,900 preorders have been placed, including from overseas. The developers note that an AI assistant will support the pilot in flight, though a full autopilot is not planned. Keeping the human firmly in the loop feels appropriate for a vehicle straddling two worlds.