Samson Sky Secured Funding for Switchblade Flying Car
The company plans to open a U.S. production facility to build its flying car kits after a major investment.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Samson Sky has secured an $80 million investment from the Matin Group to establish a 180,000-square-foot production facility in the U.S. for its Switchblade flying car. The company still requires an additional $20 million in funding to fully realize its production plans.
Why it matters
This investment provides the necessary capital to scale production of the Switchblade, a vehicle that transitions between driving and flight modes. For prospective owners, the shift toward a dedicated facility marks a significant step toward moving the vehicle from the prototype phase into a production-ready assembly process.
The Switchblade VFR kit starts at an estimated $200,000, while the IFR version is priced at $235,000. These experimental amateur-built aircraft require owners to participate in a Builder Assist program to meet FAA 51% completion rules.
The players
Samson Sky
An aircraft developer known for researching and building the Switchblade flying car at its Prineville, Oregon facility.
Matin Group
A Dubai-based investment firm that recently provided $80 million in funding to accelerate aviation production.
The details
The Switchblade utilizes a gasoline engine to power a generator, which then supplies electricity to motors for the wheels and propellers. The vehicle features wings, a tail, and a propeller that retract into the body, allowing for a three-minute transition between driving and flying modes. It requires a runway for takeoff and landing and relies on 91-octane gasoline for operation.
Timeline
November 2023: The Switchblade prototype completed its first flight.
Late 2026 or early 2027: Samson Sky plans to test three production prototypes.
Summer 2027: The company expects its Builder Assist assembly line to be ready.
The Home Front
The Switchblade project operates under the FAA 51% rule, which dictates that owners must perform a majority of the assembly to qualify for experimental aircraft status. This regulatory framework creates a unique owner-involvement model that differentiates kit-built aircraft from factory-finished vehicles.
Prospective owners should note that this vehicle requires a runway for takeoff and landing, meaning it is not a drive-from-your-driveway solution. Interested parties should verify hangar space availability and local zoning requirements for storing an experimental aircraft before committing to the Builder Assist program.
The takeaway
The Switchblade combines automotive and aviation mechanics into a kit-built platform that demands significant owner participation. Owners should monitor the planned 2027 production milestones to track the progress of the Builder Assist program before finalizing any purchase plans.
Further reading
For more on the latest trends in personal transportation, see Electric Vehicles.
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