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Photo and video from Samson SkySamson Sky shares progress less than one month after the historic first flight of the flying car Switchblade. The company has been granted another patent for the futuristic vehicle, added millions to the order books and is now doing a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds to put the Switchblade into production.
In November Samson proudly revealed a video of the first flight of the Switchblade prototype. The Switchblade ascended to 500 feet, flying over the countryside for almost six minutes. The company has been preparing for the inaugural flight, announcing a milestone in September that included the taxi testing necessary to clear the vehicle for flight testing. Even before the milestone flight, orders were flying in for the Switchblade. At EAA AirVenture in July, about $22 million was added to the books and signups increased as a result. In the last several weeks, the company added over $5.5 million to the order books. The video of the Switchblade reached over 220 million people, likely contributing to the latest increase.RELATED STORIES:Samson Sky Switchblade flying car takes first official flightSamson Sky prepares Switchblade flying car for flight testing
"To say that our investors are very excited about our huge milestone of the Switchblade's official first flight, is definitely an understatement," Samson CEO Sam Bousfield said. "The congratulations and votes of confidence just keep pouring in!"
Samson was also happy to share that the company was granted another patent for the car. The new patent, for the wing-swing design, was granted by the European Union and increased the number of patents held by the company to six, with others in the works.
"Having these design patents on the wing-swing is a vital safeguard for Samson," Bousfield said. "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."
From your garage to the runway, the Switchblade features unique design and technology. The car has demonstrated a maximum driving speed of over 125 miles per hour, with an estimated maximum flight speed of 190 miles per hour. The engine will power the wheel while the propeller powers the vehicle in the air. The flying sports car features a unique hybrid-electric system, using unleaded auto gas rather than leaded aviation fuel, allowing owners to fuel up at the gas station while on their drive to the airport. The Switchblade's Skybrid hybrid-electric drive system will be the basis for the future all-electric version of the car.
After driving to the airport, the Switchblade can transform from driving to flying mode, allowing you to fly to your destination airport, then drive the remaining miles to your intended destination. The car seats two people, side-by-side, with room for travel bags, and can fly up to 500 miles on a single tank of gas. With 14 years of design and development, founder Bousfield has gleefully watched the process, sharing the joy with future customers and investors along the way.Switchblade first flight
"Dreams do come true," Bousfield said of the historic first flight. "I think this is your dream just as much as it is mine, so take a win! Together we made it happen, and I am sure we will all help bring it along until Switchblades are commonplace."
As part of the next step, Samson is launching a Crowdfunding campaign to raise funds to put the Switchblade into production. Crowdfunding is an internet-based fundraising method, approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission, which allows smaller investors to access the same investment opportunities as larger investors. The next step after crowdfunding is a Venture Capital raise to acquire the larger funds needed for full production capability.
"For as little as $100 you can own stock in the Switchblade company!" Samson said in a newsletter on Tuesday. "So what would that mean for you?"
Early investors will also be part of the Early Bird Special, giving them a discount with more stock.
"It is like getting free stock!" the newsletter said. "Hard to turn down that idea. We made this portion of stock a little larger than most companies do, as we want to make this the best and biggest Crowdfunding raise ever."
Samson also shared that the offer was being done as a "testing the waters," meaning the investors would sign up and pay weeks later if the research still looked good and the person was still interested in doing so. No money is being taken yet. The company notes that no money or other consideration is being solicited and if sent, it will not be accepted. No offer to buy securities will be accepted and no part of the purchase will be received until a Form C is filed and only through the chosen Wefunder's platform. An indication of interest does not involve any obligation or commitment.
Different investment levels offer different incentives like gear, discounts, special tours and experiences. With a minimum investment of $100, many can own a piece of the company as it launches itself into production of the flying car, Switchblade.