Another Approval for the Company Portfolio as Samson Advances Towards Production

Samson Sky has snagged another patent for their Switchblade flying car, reportedly making it their 6th such achievement in the intellectual portfolio.

The patent this time was granted by the European Union, pertaining to Samson's swinging, retractable wing configuration. The system has required more than a few patents to protect, according to the company - making something light enough, rigid enough, and robust enough to function as a load-bearing wing structure isn't as easy as it seems on paper. The patenter, founder, and CEO of Samson Sky, Sam Bousfield, said the added patents help to fund the company in this risky developmental period, too.

"Having these design patents on the wing-swing is a vital safeguard for Samson. Being able to retract the wings and tail into the vehicle, fully protecting them while driving, is key to what makes the Switchblade truly practical for everyday use. No other flying car has ever had that feature."

The company continues its search for continued funding on the crowdfunding site Wefunder, as well as taking preorders for future aircraft. So far, they say they've racked up more than $5.5 million in future business in recent months alone, riding high on the publication of their successful test flights. A high-performance, realistically usable flying car has long been promised in fiction, but Samson's work just might bring it to fruition for real. Their Switchblade has proven out a top speed of 190 mph in the air, and 125 mph on the ground, with a hybrid powertrain to keep those speeds up without burning 20 gallons of 100LL an hour. Under their current specs, Samson Sky says the Switchblade can fly about 500 statute miles on a tank.

Of course, they haven't forgotten to start designing an all-electric version, too. That vogue will make its way into the family portfolio soon enough, but for now, it's good enough to keep marching on to production.

FMI: www.samsonsky.com