Switchblade, a flying sportscar, flies over Washington state

The Switchblade, renowned as the world's most sought-after flying car, recently accomplished its inaugural flight in Washington State. Taking off from the Moses Lake Airport/Grant County Airport, a hub frequently utilized by major aircraft manufacturers like Boeing for flight testing, veteran test pilot Robert Moehle successfully piloted the groundbreaking flight, bringing to fruition the visionary dream of creator and designer Sam Bousfield for a genuine high-performance flying car.

The inaugural flight unfolded under overcast skies and serene winds. Positioned along the runway, the Samson Sky team observed with anticipation as the Switchblade gracefully ascended, reaching an altitude of 500 feet. Soaring above the expansive airport and adjacent foothills, the Switchblade maintained flight for nearly six minutes, executing a gentle touchdown to complete its maiden journey. Test pilot Robert Moehle remarked, "The Switchblade handled superbly. I'm thrilled to be the first to pilot it beyond the ground." Moehle, with extensive flight testing experience at The Boeing Company, served as the Test Director for the 787, contributing valuable insights over the preceding months to refine the Switchblade flying prototype.

Global demand for the Switchblade is evident, with over 2300 reservations from 57 countries and all 50 U.S. states. The vehicle's dashboard is adaptable for both right-hand and left-hand drive, reflecting the diverse future ownership base. Sam Bousfield, CEO and Switchblade designer, expressed, "After 14 years of design and rigorous testing, our inaugural flight is a monumental milestone." The Samson Team will leverage flight test data to finalize production engineering and construct multiple prototypes, paving the way for the production of thousands of Switchblades to meet the burgeoning demand.

The Switchblade boasts a maximum driving speed of 125+ mph and an estimated maximum flight speed of 190 mph. Featuring a unique hybrid electric system utilizing unleaded auto gas, the Switchblade offers the convenience of refueling at any auto gas station. With over nine patents issued or applied for internationally, the Switchblade represents a revolutionary concept in personal transportation.

Owners can securely park the Switchblade in their home garage, drive it to a nearby airport, transform it into flying mode in under three minutes, and cover up to 500 miles before refueling, cruising at 160 mph. The two-seater accommodates side-by-side seating, with storage space for smaller travel bags. Its wings and tail fold in to protect them in driving mode, and the engine powers both the wheels on the ground and the propeller in the air.

With an estimated starting price of $170,000 (about £135,000), the Switchblade includes the Samson Builder Assist Program, allowing owners to assemble their portion of the vehicle at the Build Center. No special skills are required, as Samson professionals guide the process. While a Private Pilot's license is necessary for flying, there is growing interest from non-pilots, indicating a broader audience for the Switchblade.

Sam Bousfield shared his sentiment, stating, "Today marks the culmination of many years of hard work and perseverance to realize the vision of a flying sports car." Reflecting on the experience, he added, "Someone asked me how it felt to see the Switchblade fly. I thought about it and realized this is what it feels like when your dreams come true."

For additional details on the Switchblade and to monitor its progress into production, visit SamsonSky.com.