Samson Sky, producers of the Switchblade Flying Car, has developed a specialized hybrid electric drive system called Skybrid Technology.
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.
Samson is modifying the engine for aircraft use and has rebadged it as the Samson-4, according to company officials.
The gas engine powers a generator, which directs power to electric motors that power the wheels when driving or to separate electric motors for the propellers when flying. For redundancy there are two electric motors in each of the two propeller pods.
According to Samson officials, another benefit of Skybrid for the flying car is reverse thrust, which temporarily redirects the thrust in the opposite direction of its forward motion.
“It actually acts like a drag parachute, which provides air brake assist and slows down the plane on the runway after touchdown,” said Sam Bousfield, CEO.
The vehicle is also equipped with high-performance racing brakes at all wheels, he noted.
“By running the motors directly from the generator to the wheels and the propellers, it is simpler, lighter, more efficient, and only a small battery pack will be required,” said Bousfield. “There is very little wasted energy, which means less fuel is needed to travel the same distance.”
The Switchblade Flying Sports Car is a street-legal, hybrid electric vehicle that seats two, side-by-side, and flies up to 500 miles on a single tank of premium auto gas.
Owners will need a private pilot certificate to fly the Switchblade, which is an experimental category aircraft. As with all experimental aircraft, the FAA mandates that the owner must build 51% of the vehicle. All Switchblade owners will spend one week at the Samson Builder Assist Center, building 51% of their Switchblade. Following this, Samson employees will complete the vehicle.
For more information: SamsonSky.com
