The gas engine powers generators that flow power directly to the motors at the wheels for the ground or the propeller motors for flight. This system was chosen to allow an easy upgrade to full electric flight as soon as battery technology becomes viable for this use, company officials noted.
flying car
Flying car production prototype unveiled
The AirCar is capable of transformation from car to aircraft in less than two minutes, “blending advanced aerodynamics, composite structures, and a new 280-horsepower engine,” according to company officials.
Samson Sky develops hybrid drive-and-fly system to power flying car
The proprietary Skybrid Technology is powered by a 260 hp four-cylinder internal combustion engine that is liquid-cooled, sourced from the automotive industry, and runs on premium auto gas.
Enhanced body design revealed for Switchblade flying car
“The new design improves performance and shortens the pathway to production by transferring much of what worked well in the test vehicle that flew into the new streamlined design,” said Sam Bousfield, Samson Sky CEO and designer of the Switchblade, who noted that the new design is “simpler and much easier to build.”
New design revealed for flying car
The Switchblade flying car now has a sleeker body shape and new thruster design.
New Minnesota legislation permits flying cars
Minnesota is the second state in the nation to pass a bill that allows the registration of flying cars — called roadable aircraft by lawmakers.
Legislation paves the way for flying cars
Elected officials across the United States are working on laws to ensure flying cars can be easily registered and licensed in all 50 states.
Flying car company launches crowdfunding campaign
According to James Mauch, a Samson Sky board member, crowdfunding is commonly used as “an early step in an overall campaign to raise large funds but has the unique ability to allow many smaller investors the same opportunity as bigger investors” with new technology in new companies.
Another patent for the flying car
The Samson Sky Switchblade has earned its sixth patent, with more in the works, according to company officials.