To meet the growing demand for flying cars and road-worthy aircraft, Samson Motorworks is counting on its Multi Mode Vehicles (MMV), and the latest from them is the Switchblade, which enjoys a Ferrari-inspired clean silhouette that’s slowed on landings by fowler flaps. The flying 3-wheeled enclosed motorcycle uses a scissor wing design to retract the wings when you move to the freeway. The Switchblade offers motorcycle simplicity, economy and excitement, combined with the adaptability of being able to fly and drive. The use of a scissors wing design chops off 200 lb of weight and makes for greater range and lower maintenance costs. The Switchblade features side-by-side seating, less weight, slower landing speed, room for golf clubs and a wide cabin. It also include heating and air conditioning, video rear view monitor, dual ground/air lighting system, automatic vehicle leaning in turns and stereo CD player with MP3 input. As far as safety is concerned, it has a front impact shock absorber, side impact door protection and a ballistic chute recovery system.

The flying motorcycle will operate at 10,000 feet above sea level. The power comes from a 120hp Freedom Motor twin rotor engine that gets the vehicle to over 90 mph on wheels and 134 mph while in the air. Its 16-gallon fuel capacity will offer a range of 880 miles on the roads and 340 miles in the air. The Switchblade will be FAA certified and Samson Motorworks hopes the ground version of the Switchblade available in early 2010.

via: Gizmag458090