Samson Sky has just sharpened its Switchblade, improving the aerodynamics of this new three-wheeled, fixed-wing flying car.

The improved design is the latest since the concept was initially introduced in 2009. The new Switchblade has a maximum takeoff gross weight of 2,600 pounds. Its wing area was also increased, from 67 to 99 square feet. It also has increased interior space as well as a higher fuel capacity of 40 gallons. The company says the new version, which was tested in a wind tunnel, should bring it closer to commercial production in 2026.

Following his first flight in November 2023, the Samson Sky team went back to the drawing board to create a new body design to streamline performance and reduce drag by an additional 2%, said Sam Bousfield, CEO and designer of Samson Sky . Flight report. The updated design includes other improvements such as folding side mirrors, front radiator inlet, performance radiator outlet, headlights and taillights.

On the ground, the vehicle reached the target of 125 mph, while in the air, thruster design improvements and propellers helped the Switchblade reach its target cruising speed of 160 mph during wind tunnel testing. The Switchblade has a maximum target altitude of 13,000 feet.

Samson Sky is one of the few commercial niche creators of flying cars-including Vision KleinAnd PAL-V in Europe and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aerial vehicles from American manufacturers Alef, Doroni, ASKAand others. They all want to merge the performance of a road-legal car and plane to simplify transportation for local and regional travel.

Samson says owners will be able to park the Switchblade in their garage, fill up with unleaded fuel, and drive to a nearby airport to catch a flight. With the wings folded into its body and tail and the two propellers now housed in the trunk, the Switchblade should take three minutes to transition from driving mode to flight mode.

“There are always changes and modifications based on lessons learned from flight testing, and we have used them to improve our original design while retaining our signature flapping wings that stow inside the vehicle when driving “, explains Bousfield.

The company will build three production vehicles over the next 12 to 18 months to test real-world flying and driving conditions. Two production vehicles will be standard, and one will be a Limited Edition (LE) with a more exotic set of taillights and taillights as well as distinctive styling differences in the main bodywork at the rear. The options list includes a more powerful engine, 360-degree exterior cameras and a smoke screen. The interior can also be heavily customized.

Once completed and tested, the company plans to do a national promotional tour of the Switchblade. “Everything we do is based on how we’re going to produce thousands of Switchblades,” Bousfield said.

The vehicle will cost between $179,000 and $195,000. Since it is classified as an experimental aircraft by the FAA, owners will have to build 51% of the flying car and hold a pilot’s license. The company will have an assistance program to help homeowners with construction.

The dream of making flying cars a reality that has been happening for over 75 years. Skeptics believe in its long-term commercial viability this likely won’t happen until 2050, although the FAA recently issued Advanced Air Mobility regulations that create a regulatory framework for new and emerging aircraft, including eVTOLs.