Jun 8, 2009
Being a frustrated pilot myself, i can see why someone would want to combine two of their passions. The easiest leap of imagination would be that of motorcycles and flying. Thus the reason this story got my attention. The people at Samson Motorworks are introducing the new line of Multi Mode Vehicles (MMV). The Switchblade™ a three-wheeled Flying Motorcycle is the first of this new vehicle line to meet the growing demand for flying cars and roadable aircraft. Using a scissors wing and torsion bar lean system, the new product line offers motorcycle simplicity, economy 
and excitement – blended with the versatility of being able to fly and drive… Or if flying isn’t your bag get ready for one of their “green” ground-only vehicles…where you still feel the thrill of flying while driving on the highway! Here are some spec’s on the bike, oh, i mean plane, oh, bikeplane, uh, you know what i mean! The wings swing closed under the belly of the vehicle, protected from road grunge and rock dings by a clamshell case and a structural keel that takes impacts. Sporting a three-surface design, in which all wings lift, drag is reduced further by the fact of needing less wing. The Ferrari-inspired clean shape is slowed on landings by fowler flaps. Large rear wheels are located aft to provide room for the main wings to swing closed, thus the nose lifts five degrees for take-off attitude – you literally fly the plane off the runway without rotating! Side-by-side seating, more range, less weight, slower landing speed, room for golf clubs, and a wide cabin.
Preliminary Specifications:
Estimated GTOW = 1400 LB (Gross Take-off Weight)
LENGTH = 15’- 6”
WIDTH = 5’- 6”
HEIGHT = 5’-1”
SEATS = 2 (side by side)
SPEED = 90+ mph on wheels – 134 mph cruise flying
RANGE = 880 miles ground, 340 miles air
MPG = Estimated 60 mpg ground, 22 mpg air
WINGSPAN = 23’ – 5” main, 5′ 6” canard.
WING LOADING = 20 psf
ENGINE = 120 hp Freedom Motor twin rotor (or applicable motorcycle engine)
ESTIMATED TBO = 2500 hours (Time Between Major Overhauls)
FUEL = regular unleaded automobile gasoline (any fuel capable – freedom motor)
FUEL CAPACITY = 16 gallons including reserve
STALL SPEED = 70 mph
