Ownership

General Use

Features

Operation

Ownership

    How soon will they be available?
    We anticipate Switchblade flight testing to begin third quarter 2010, initial kit deliveries will begin approximately one year after completion of the flight testing program. 

    How much do they cost?
    Target price of the kit is $60k without engine or avionics, resulting in an overall targeted price of approximately $85k. Much of this will be determined by the actual price of the kit, and the engine choice that the builders make.
    How do I purchase one?
    At this time, we are  taking deposits for early kit delivery slots. We will accept refundable deposits via mail, phone and Internet CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION. When you are 90 days from delivery, we will ask that the deposit convert to a non-refundable deposit to maintain your delivery slot, and there may be an additional deposit due at that time.

    If I am not a pilot, can I still buy a Switchblade?
    Answer: Yes, but if you purchase a flying model, the flight controls and wing lock will require a physical and electronic key that is granted once proof of appropriate pilot license is shown.

    What license(s) will be required?
    Ground versions require a motorcycle driver’s license, or a driver’s license with a motorcycle addition. Click here for access to links for your state.

    Kit aircraft require a private pilot license in addition to the above, as would the certified model. The Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) model requires a Sport Pilot License. Click here to access the FAA regulations for sport pilot.


    What about insurance?
    Negotiations are currently underway with insurers who can provide both ground and air insurance. While we are a ways off from guaranteeing insurability, it appears that the main issue is where to draw the line from ‘ground’ coverage to ‘air’ coverage.

    Due to the training included with our vehicles, and the safety features we are providing, we believe we will be able to provide multiple insurance options. We will have an insurance representative at Samson who will assist purchasers with insurance matters.

    For ground versions, we anticipate setting up dealerships with existing motorcycle and motor sport dealers in many cities and countries. Check with your local dealer to see if they are planning on signing up with us.

    General Use

    Where can I take off and land?
    You can drive the Switchblade to any public airport to take off, and may land at the same, or any other, public airport. You can also take off and land from any private airport where you have privileges

    Can I take off from a neighborhood street, freeway or parking lot?
    FAA rules prohibit any vehicle from taking off from private or public streets.


    Can I take off from my own land?
    If you own sufficient land to construct a private runway, theoretically you could! You would need to adhere to several regulations, including the ability to gain elevation before crossing over neighboring land.


    How high can I fly?
    The vehicle’s current operation ceiling is 10,000’ above Mean Sea Level.


    Can the Switchblade be operated out of a controlled airport?
    Optional equipment will allow flight to and from controlled airports.


    Can I drive the Switchblade in a carpool lane?
    Most state regulations allow motorcycles such as the Switchblade to travel in the carpool lane without stickers. Check your local regulations, but it should be okay.


    How about toll roads?
    Most toll roads collect toll from all vehicles. With the Switchblade, you could fly past them in many cases.

    Can I drive this on a freeway?
    Answer: With over 120HP available to such a lightweight vehicle, the Switchblade has ample power for any road experience. With a top speed of 95 MPH, even the Autobahn is fair game.

    Are the controls different for flying vs. driving?
    We plan to provide both ‘pilot’ and ‘driver’ with comfortable and familiar controls. A control wheel is provided that functions like an aircraft ‘yoke’ in the air, and while on the ground acts as a motorcycle or 4-wheeler handlebar. A motorcycle twist grip throttle and brake are utilized to keep the feet free for the rudder petals.

    How is braking accomplished?
    Answer: The front wheel is steered at all times, so differential braking is not utilized. Lightweight motorcycle disc brakes at all wheels provide sure stops with anti-lock braking-standard.

    Does this have a transmission?
    Yes, a five or six speed transmission with reverse is planned, providing exceptional power control.

    What engines are available?
    Answer: There are multiple engine choices available. Current designs utilize proven motorcycle engines and transmissions, modified to provide reverse and power to the propellers. Another upcoming choice will be the Freedom motor developed through NASA grants, and private funding. This highly engineered Wankle-style rotary engine overcomes many of the shortcomings of the standard rotary - including fuel burn and emissions. Present (pre-production) engines have been tested, and results indicate that the engine would pass California ultra-low emission vehicle standards without exhaust treatment.

    Why not use an aviation engine?
    Answer: As a dual-purpose vehicle, the engine will be required to have emission controls that aircraft engines do not provide. Modern motorcycle engines have an enviable reliability record, approaching that of an automobile.

    Features

    What happens if there is an in-flight emergency?
    The glide ratio of 8:1 allows an element of control for emergency landings, while, as standard equipment, a ballistic chute recovery system provides an escape route found only on a few aircraft.
     

    Can the wings retract while in flight?
    Two features act independently to prevent a wing retract while flying. The first is that the air pressure pushes back on the wings, forcing the wings to remain extended. Secondly, a manually implemented locking mechanism keeps the wing-swing positively locked in the open position when in flight.
     

    Is it possible to forget one aspect of changing from motorcycle to aircraft and so take off unprepared for flight?
    We are designing the system so that it will be impossible to engage the ducted fan unless the vehicle is in flight mode, (wings and vertical stabilizers deployed, wheel location adjusted for take off) as well as the electrical/electronic aspects of the change (instruments, engine computer). Of course, there remains the visual inspection of readiness, as would always be done as part of a pre-flight.


    Would a minor collision on the ground render the vehicle non-airworthy?
    The leading edge of canard, which does not retract, is to be designed to absorb minor bumps without incurring structural damage, and the nose of the vehicle is similarly designed to absorb low-speed impact. High-speed impact can render any vehicle un-useable. The rear wings are contained within the wing root to place them out of harms way.
     

    How safe is the vehicle in a major accident?
    In our initial design phase with Swift Engineering, who have designed Formula 1 cars to take impacts that would normally kill an occupant. That same technology is being used by Samson Motors and DAR Corporation to create a safety shell around the occupants from front and rear collisions. Side collision protection is enhanced by protection bars to produce perhaps one of the safest three-wheeled vehicles ever manufactured. Optional seat belt airbags add another layer of safety, as do three-point safety harnesses.
     

    Is a parachute landing survivable?
    Statistics show overwhelming evidence of survivability for those who deploy their BRS at a suitable altitude. Additionally, our design includes a nose-first landing attitude with rotation, so that much of the impact energy can be absorbed from the rotation. Having suspension may also provide further cushioning to many landing scenarios.
     

    Aren’t motorcycles more dangerous to drive on the roads than cars?
    Motorcycles give more freedom of control, are faster to react, and bring the outside world closer to you as you drive past. For many, their exhilaration provided by the mode of transportation, with the nimble handling and the ability to lean through turns, outweighs the fact that there is less (or nothing) to protect you in an accident. In a typical motorcycle, your protection is what you wear, (leather, helmet) and your ability to react much faster than other vehicles can. The main problem is the apparent invisibility of a motorcycle to surrounding drivers. In the Switchblade, nimble handling common to motorcycles significantly remains, as does the ability to lean into turns. The visibility of the Switchblade to other drivers is significantly increased over that of a motorcycle.
     

    Won’t this flip over in a hard turn?
    The proper design of a three-wheeled vehicle includes a workout for overturning. Simply put, if you have significant weight high off the ground, in a vehicle with closely spaced wheels, overturning is almost assured. The Switchblade is designed with wide wheel placement and a low center of gravity, along with a 5 degree suspension lean, so that the wheels will lose traction, producing a spin, before the vehicle would overturn. Cornering is anticipated to be similar to a sports car, with the added feeling of "flying on the ground" built in with the suspension lean feature..
     

    How do you see behind you?
    Motorcycle laws require rear view mirrors. We are working with the D.O.T. to be able to substitute a rear view camera/dash monitor that would serve the same function with less drag. Final versions may have aerodynamic mirrors, similar to automobiles.
     

    How do you handle the change of lighting required? (navigation lights vs. motorcycle)
    Front and rear motorcycle turn signals will have an added bulb for navigation lighting at each side of the vehicle as far apart as feasible, per the FAA regs.
     

    No windshield wiper?
    Our Samson Motors Switchblade MMV will have a specially designed windscreen and will feature a wiping system.
     

    What keeps the wings retracted in hard cornering?
    A mechanical latch will keep the wings retracted at all times when in driving mode.


    How do I learn to fly a Switchblade?
    Regional training will be available via existing flying clubs and training centers who may also provide sales, and a minimum amount of flight training and checkout will be required for insurance purposes - the cost of which is included in the price.

    Operation

    How do you extend the wings??
    The wings will be unlatched and manually pulled out in preparation for flight mode. Additionally, an optional electromechanical wing swing motor system is being developed and will be offered as an optional feature.


    How do you retract the wings?
    Wings will be unlatched from flight mode and retracted manually and locked into place for ground operation. As above, an electromechanical motor system is being developed as an option for the Samson Motors Switchblade.
     

    What instrumentation will be provided?
    While subject to revision, we are planning a single MFD that shifts from ground instrument display, plus rear view monitor, to the flight instrument and moving map/GPS, Nav/Com radio, plus a personal locating device. Three backup flight gauges serve in case of MFD failure.
     

    What performance can be expected of the vehicle?
    Each model will be different, specific model information will be added soon.
     

    What will take off be like?
    During take off, power is applied to the rear wheels. The wheels will accelerate the vehicle rather quickly to take off speed, at which point the power take off button is pushed, putting power to the ducted fan. Take off roll should be fairly short, with brisk acceleration on the ground, followed by a more leisurely climb.


    What fuel is used?
    Unleaded automotive gasoline for our first models. The Freedom motor is any fuel capable. We have already finished layouts for both hybrid, and electric drive systems pending on an appropriate battery solution.
     

    Do flying models use the same fuel as ground models?
    Yes, both use unleaded automotive gas.