20 December 2012
American vehicle designer Samson Motorworks has finished the flight testing of its quarter-scale prototype flying motorbike, with plans to now begin production of a full scale prototype.
A statement from the company said, ‘We have wrapped up our flight testing with the quarter-scale prototype, having achieved 90% of our test flight objectives for this prototype.
‘Our testing has accomplished validated lift from wing and aileron control, ducted fan performance, effectiveness of rudder and vertical stabiliser, and good stall characteristics.
‘Our goal is to produce a viable, exciting, fun and useful vehicle. We are now one more big step towards that goal.’
Samson has produced a video with the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) which includes the development of the Switchblade, giving the inside track on its design and technology, as well a view on the future of aviation and can be found at <a href=’http://www.eaavideo.org/video.aspx?v=1922300272001′ target=’_blank’>www.eaavideo.org/video.aspx?v=1922300272001</a>


The statement added that Samson has secured nearly all funds required for building the full-scale prototype, and further explained the next step. ‘Gleaning what we have learned from the quarter-scale testing, we are having DAR Corp do a final review of the vehicle prior to starting structural engineering. After that, more engineering by wizards formerly of Lockheed. Then we will be carving wing molds and making parts. We will continue the process of establishing and securing the parts needed for lighting, wheels, brakes, carpeting, etc for the prototype.’
The aircraft will be produced as an experimental/homebuilt as an aircraft with the ability to also function on roads as a fully-enclosed tricycle unit.
Find out more at <a href=’http://www.samsonmotorworks.com/switchblade’ target=’_blank’>www.samsonmotorworks.com/switchblade</a>
