Samson Sky Has Secured $80 Million Funding
The investment supports building a U.S. production facility for the Switchblade flying car.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Samson Sky has secured an $80 million investment from the Dubai-based Matin Group to accelerate the development of its Switchblade flying car. The capital will support the construction of a 180,000-square-foot domestic production facility.
Why it matters
This infusion of capital represents a major step toward bringing experimental flying cars to market, though the company still requires an additional $20 million to fully execute its production roadmap.
The Switchblade features a retractable wing and tail system, with an estimated starting price of $200,000 for the VFR kit and $235,000 for the IFR version. The vehicle requires a runway for takeoff and landing and utilizes a gasoline-powered generator to drive its wheels and propellers.
The players
Samson Sky
This is an aerospace company focused on the development of the Switchblade, a dual-mode vehicle capable of both driving and flying.
Matin Group
This is a Dubai-based investment firm that serves as the primary financier for the current production expansion phase.
Federal Aviation Administration
This is the national agency responsible for overseeing civil aviation and setting safety regulations for experimental aircraft.
The details
The Switchblade is designed to transform from a road-legal vehicle into an aircraft in three minutes, using 91-octane gasoline to power its hybrid propulsion system. Owners must participate in a mandatory Builder Assist program to ensure compliance with FAA rules for amateur-built aircraft.
Timeline
November 2023: The Switchblade prototype successfully completed its first flight.
Late 2026 or early 2027: Planned testing of three production-ready prototypes.
Summer 2027: Anticipated completion of the Builder Assist assembly line.
Roadmap
The Switchblade enters a niche market that sits at the intersection of general aviation and personal automotive manufacturing. It highlights the industry shift toward hybrid-electric VTOL and STOL technologies that are attempting to bridge the gap between regional air travel and traditional road usage.
Prospective owners should anticipate a $200,000 entry price and must be prepared to commit time to the mandatory Builder Assist program. Drivers will need to maintain access to a runway to utilize the aircraft's primary flying capabilities.
The takeaway
The flying car sector continues to move toward commercialization, though regulatory and infrastructure hurdles remain significant for consumers. Prospective owners must balance the novelty of dual-mode transport against the rigorous safety and building requirements mandated by federal aviation law.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving landscape of sustainable transport, visit the Electric Vehicles section.
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