Interview with Samson Sky Founder and CEO Sam Bousefield

Sam Bousfield, Founder and CEO of Samson Sky, discussing the state of development of the Switchblade. Sam explained that trial and error is typical of the R&D process. Design is based on prediction, and computational fluid dynamics gets you within about 10%, wind tunnel testing gets you to about 3%, and the rest you learn in testing, which is what they’ve done with the initial prototype.

They are about to start construction of the first of three production prototypes and anticipate 12 months for the first one and 6 months to build the next two. Then will move the fixtures into the production facility and start serial production.

Regarding public willingness to accept such a radical change in transportation, Sam said no changes to regulation are needed and there’s no technology needed that doesn’t exist so they’re ready to start production now and as soon as the vehicle is ready, people can start using it. It gives people such an advantage in time savings to be able to drive or fly so it makes sense for business travelers or people who want to get out and see the world.

The company has more than 2600 orders, 500 deposits, and 100 fully-paid for the earliest version. The vehicle outperforms others in its wheelbase class in road and slalom track courses and has good braking with 3 automotive disc brakes. Acceleration is very good – 0 to 60 in 5.3 seconds at max gross weight.

Certification basis will be Experimental Category, Amateur Homebuilt, so people have to come and build 51% of the vehicle. They have a builder-assist program that will allow people to do it in one week.

MOSAIC will be interesting, have to wait and see about the landing speed, which will be the biggest hurdle but they’re close at 62 mph, need to be at 61.

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