Proprietary Skybrid Drive-And-Fly System Utilizes Automobile Engine

Samson Sky released some details about its proprietary Skybrid hybrid electric drive-and-fly system that powers its Switchblade Flying Car.

At the heart of the system is a 260 hp four-cylinder, liquid-cooled internal combustion engine repurposed from the automotive industry and runs on premium auto gas. The gas engine drives a generator producing electricity to power separate motors for the wheels and propellers.

The company modifies the engine for aviation use and has renamed it the Samson-4. Redundancy is provided by dual electric motors in each of the two propeller pods. The company says another benefit of Skybrid is its ability to produce reverse thrust via a system that temporarily can produce thrust in the direction opposite its forward motion.

Sam Bousfield, CEO of Samson Sky and designer of the Switchblade said, “It actually acts like a drag parachute, which provides air brake assist and slows down the plane on the runway after touchdown.”

The car is also equipped with high-performance racing brakes on all four wheels.

Bousfield continued, “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. There is very little wasted energy, which means less fuel is needed to travel the same distance.”

FMI:  www.samsonsky.com/