Samson Sky
Samson Sky is a private Oregon-based company building the Switchblade, a street-legal three-wheel vehicle that converts into a fixed-wing aircraft in roughly three minutes. It serves regional travelers, aviation enthusiasts and luxury supercar buyers, holding 2,700+ reservations across 50+ countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2008
- HeadquartersRedmond, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Samson Sky does
Samson Sky is a private Oregon-based developer of the Switchblade Flying Sports Car, a single-product, three-wheel, street-legal vehicle that converts into a fixed-wing aircraft in approximately three minutes. The proprietary Skybrid hybrid-electric drivetrain pairs a Samson-4 2L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with Beyond Motors axial-flux electric motors to drive wheels on the ground and propellers in flight, with a generator-to-motor architecture that avoids battery weight. The vehicle targets 160 mph cruise, 500-mile range and a 13,000-foot service ceiling. An exclusive patent covers the tail fold and retraction mechanism that stows wings and tail inside clamshell doors on the underside of the chassis, enabling the vehicle to fit in a standard garage and qualify for conventional auto insurance. Thermoplastic carbon composite manufacturing is positioned as eight times faster and half the cost of traditional epoxy carbon fiber, with supply partnerships with Aditya Birla and Composite Approach. Standard pricing is $200,000 for the VFR kit and $235,000 for the IFR kit, with a Limited Edition starting at $770,000.
The company operates as a direct-to-consumer manufacturer with no dealer network. Customers place $500 non-refundable deposits (or no-money-down reservations) through the corporate website, complete a one-week Builder Assist Program at company facilities to satisfy the FAA's 51% amateur-build rule under the Experimental Category classification, and receive 5 hours of crossover flight training plus access to VR-based simulators. Samson plans a network of Regional Centers for sales, service and flight school integration, with Oregon Coast Bank providing a US-resident financing option. International market entry is being executed via MOUs — including a Central Asia agreement with AIR Tashkent covering at least 300 units valued at over $60 million, and a Saudi Arabia agreement with the Saudi Aviation Club under Vision 2030. Founder Sam Bousfield serves as CEO; the leadership team draws composites and aerospace experience from Boeing, NASA, Toyota, Virgin Galactic, ICON Aircraft, SpinLaunch and DOD. The company conducts a Reg D Series A round (with at least one $100,000 advance recorded in July 2024) to fund production engineering and facilities.
The addressable customer base spans regional travelers (with a stated 21 million potential regional-traveler market in the US, over 80% non-pilots), aviation enthusiasts, and luxury supercar buyers. Samson has accumulated 2,700+ reservations across 50+ countries, including 140 Pre-flight Special Founder Edition vehicles, representing a stated potential sales value of more than $500 million — though the company remains pre-revenue, with the Builder Assist assembly line targeted to come online in 2026 and first production deliveries following thereafter.
Samson Sky firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Samson Sky
- Legal name
- Samson Sky
- Website
- https://www.samsonsky.com/
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2008
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Samson Sky is a private Oregon-based company building the Switchblade, a street-legal three-wheel vehicle that converts into a fixed-wing aircraft in roughly three minutes. It serves regional travelers, aviation enthusiasts and luxury supercar buyers, holding 2,700+ reservations across 50+ countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Samson Sky industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Flying Sports Car / Roadable Aircraft
- NAICS
- Aircraft Manufacturing (336411), Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413)
- SIC
- Aircraft & Parts (3720), Aircraft (3721), Aircraft Engines & Engine Parts (3724), Motor Vehicle Parts & Accessories (3714)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Training & Light Sport Fixed-Wing Aircraft Manufacturing (IMABAAAE)
Keywords
Where Samson Sky is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Redmond
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
Samson Sky business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Vehicle Sales: One-time purchase of Switchblade flying car. Base models range from $170,000-$235,000 depending on VFR or IFR kit. Limited Edition models start at $770,000 with custom interiors. Includes Builder Assist Program, 5 hours transition training, and maintenance course at no extra charge.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Switchblade Standard - VFR Kit |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Switchblade Standard - IFR Kit |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Switchblade Limited Edition |
| One time/ perpetual license | One-time | Builder Assist Program Add-on |
| One time/ perpetual license | One-time | Delivery Position Deposit |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels9 records
Samson Sky product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Samson Sky designs, manufactures, and sells the Switchblade Flying Sports Car, a three-wheel, street-legal hybrid-electric vehicle that transforms into a fixed-wing aircraft in under three minutes. The vehicle is powered by the proprietary Skybrid hybrid-electric drive system and is offered in VFR and IFR kit configurations ($200,000-$235,000) as well as a fully customized Limited Edition starting at $770,000. Every purchase includes the Builder Assist Program, five hours of transition flight training, and a maintenance course.
Product overview
Samson Sky offers the Switchblade Flying Sports Car as a single unified product with multiple versions. The core product is a three-wheel, street-legal hybrid-electric vehicle that transforms into a fixed-wing aircraft in under 3 minutes. Customers can choose between the VFR Kit ($200,000) for visual flight conditions or the IFR Kit ($235,000) for instrument flight capability. The Limited Edition ($770,000+) provides bespoke fully-built vehicles with custom interiors. All purchases include the Builder Assist Program for owner participation in assembly and flight training services. The proprietary Skybrid hybrid-electric system powers both driving and flying modes.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Switchblade Flying Sports Car (VFR Kit) Visual Flight Rules version of the Switchblade flying sports car, intended for operation in clear weather conditions where the pilot can navigate by external visual references. Includes engine, transmission, avionics, interiors, the Builder Assist Program, and 5 hours of transition flight training. Estimated price $200,000 USD.
- Switchblade Flying Sports Car (IFR Kit) Instrument Flight Rules version of the Switchblade flying sports car, authorizing pilots with proper instrumentation and ATC approval to fly under different weather conditions, including into clouds and with zero visibility. Includes the full VFR feature set plus an IFR avionics package. Estimated price $235,000 USD.
- Switchblade Limited Edition Fully built, individually designed one-of-one Switchblade with custom interior, exotic finishes, safety/security/performance enhancements, and a VR interior preview. Starting at $770,000 USD. Private flight training included for the owner and co-pilot if desired.
- Builder Assist Program Program included at no extra charge (valued at $20,000 USD) with every Switchblade purchase, allowing owners to complete their FAA 51% builder requirement in as little as one week at Builder Assist Centers using mostly automated, computer-driven manufacturing processes.
- Flight Training Program Pilot training program using VR goggles and flight simulators, providing 5 hours of crossover flight training for existing pilots and Private Pilot License training for non-pilots who purchase a Switchblade.
Quantifiable outcome
- 65% travel time reduction - 10-hour regional trips become 3.5 hours door-to-door
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Samson Sky
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Samson Sky technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability1 record
Feature7 records
Samson Sky partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered major, core, minor and supporting.
- AIR TashkentmajorAmerican company Samson Sky and Uzbek company AIR Tashkent signed MOU to introduce Switchblade flying car to Uzbekistan and Central Asia markets. AIR Tashkent committed to selling at least 300 units valued at over $60 million. Includes pilot training using Samson Sky flight simulators and joint efforts with Uzbek government agencies to certify vehicle for road and airspace operation.
- Saudi Aviation ClubmajorMOU signed during Sand & Fun 2025 Air Show in Riyadh to collaborate on implementing Switchblade flying car in Saudi Arabia. Involves training, approval, use of SAC facilities, and working towards qualifying vehicle for road and flight in Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030.
- Aditya Birla Chemicals (USA), Inc.majorAditya Birla ($103B annual revenue multinational) invited Samson to display at JEC World 2025 in Paris. Company produces composite materials similar to those used in Switchblade. Samson working out details of comprehensive supply agreement for composite materials and potentially electronics, wiring harnesses, and other items. Cost-effective composites even with tariffs.
- Beyond Motors (Slovenia)coreSelected as primary electric motor supplier for Switchblade. Slovenian company produces axial flux motors (AMX2) for generators and propeller motors. Excellent power-to-weight ratio. Motors in use for ground, marine, and air applications in Europe. Currently developing custom ground drive motors for Switchblade.
- Composite Approach (Redmond, Oregon)coreOregon-based company manufacturing molds and carbon fiber parts for Switchblade. Making clamshell doors, hood/roof molds, front quarter panels, and belly pan molds for production vehicles.
- 47G (Utah Advanced Air Mobility Group)minorSamson joined 47G, a group tasked by Utah Governor to bring Advanced Air Mobility into the 2034 Winter Olympics. Partnership for potential Olympic integration of Switchblade technology.
- Flight Sim Training PartnerssupportingRegional Centers planned as sales and service locations with flight school programs. Will provide list of recommended flight schools with qualified instructors for Switchblade training.
Scale indicators15 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights7 records
Samson Sky competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Terrafugia: Terrafugia is the most direct peer to Samson Sky \u2014 a US-based flying car developer pursuing a roadable aircraft that transitions between driving and flying modes. Both companies target the consumer personal aviation market with fixed-wing roadable designs.
- AeroMobil: AeroMobil (Slovakia) develops a transforming flying car that drives on roads and flies as a fixed-wing aircraft, directly competing with the Switchblade concept. Both target affluent early adopters seeking roadable personal aviation.
- PAL-V: PAL-V (Netherlands) produces the Liberty, a roadable gyrocopter/autogyro that drives and flies. Targets a similar consumer use case of personal regional travel and has pursued type certification, paralleling Samson\u2019s pursuit of FAA compliance.
Broad incumbents
- ICON Aircraft: ICON Aircraft manufactures the ICON A5 light sport amphibious aircraft, targeting the same recreational/personal aviation buyer. Comparable premium pricing and consumer-focused marketing approach in the light sport aircraft category.
- Cirrus Aircraft: Cirrus Aircraft is the leading manufacturer of personal single-engine piston aircraft (SR20/SR22) and Vision Jet, dominating the high-end personal aviation segment that the Switchblade aspires to enter. Comparable buyer profile and price points.
- Joby Aviation: Joby Aviation is a publicly-traded eVTOL leader developing electric air taxi service. Represents a broad incumbent in personal/regional aviation using a different technology approach (eVTOL vs roadable aircraft) that addresses the same regional travel use case.
- Archer Aviation: Archer Aviation is a publicly-traded eVTOL developer pursuing urban air mobility with its Midnight aircraft. Competes for the same regional traveler use case that Samson Sky targets, but with a commercial service model rather than consumer ownership.
Emerging players
- Lilium: Lilium is a German eVTOL developer pursuing regional electric air mobility with the Lilium Jet. Comparable positioning in the regional aviation market but using a ducted-fan eVTOL design rather than a roadable aircraft.
- Eve Air Mobility: Eve Air Mobility (Embraer subsidiary) is developing an eVTOL air taxi service. Pursues a similar regional air mobility vision as Samson Sky and partners with similar infrastructure and regulatory ecosystems worldwide.
- Vertical Aerospace: Vertical Aerospace (UK) is developing the VX4 eVTOL aircraft with commercial airline partners. Targets the urban and regional air mobility market that overlaps with the Switchblade\u2019s regional traveler use case, though via eVTOL service rather than personal ownership.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Samson Sky social profiles
Digital presenceSamson Sky financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Samson Sky leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
Samson Sky funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Samson Sky M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Samson Sky
What does Samson Sky do?
Samson Sky designs, manufactures, and sells the Switchblade Flying Sports Car, a three-wheel, street-legal hybrid-electric vehicle that transforms into a fixed-wing aircraft in under three minutes. The vehicle is powered by the proprietary Skybrid hybrid-electric drive system and is offered in VFR and IFR kit configurations ($200,000-$235,000) as well as a fully customized Limited Edition starting at $770,000. Every purchase includes the Builder Assist Program, five hours of transition flight training, and a maintenance course.
Is Samson Sky a public or private company?
Samson Sky is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Samson Sky founded?
Samson Sky was founded in 2008. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Samson Sky based?
Samson Sky is headquartered in Redmond, United States, in the North America region.
How does Samson Sky make money?
One revenue line is on record: vehicle Sales.
Who are Samson Sky's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Terrafugia, AeroMobil and PAL-V. Broad incumbents are ICON Aircraft, Cirrus Aircraft, Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation. Emerging players are Lilium, Eve Air Mobility and Vertical Aerospace.
Does Samson Sky have an API?
No public API is recorded for Samson Sky.
What industry is Samson Sky in?
Samson Sky's product category is Flying Sports Car / Roadable Aircraft. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABAAAE, Training & Light Sport Fixed-Wing Aircraft Manufacturing. Its NAICS code is 336411 and its SIC code is 3720.