There's a scene in "They Spy Who Loved Me" when Roger Moore's James Bond launches a Lotus Esprit off a dock in Sardinia, where it magically transforms into a submarine. Cool. So the recent announcement of a motorcycle dubbed "The Switchblade" had us scratching our heads when they started throwing the word "flying" around. Just what the hell is going on at California's Samson Motorworks?
Apparently Samson is pioneering something they call Multi Mode Vehicles (MMV). As far as we can tell, the Switchblade™ has only two modes, but they are our favorite modes; hauling ass down the road looking like a Bonneville Salt Flats test rocket, or slicing through the air like a manned surface to air missile. As is increasingly popular these days with the 'bikes' like the Can-Am Spyder, the Switchblade is a motorcycle in DMV class only, with the enclosed jet-like shell provided with one forward and two rear wheels. Able to carry two occupants encased in lux leather seats, with heat, a/c and a booming audio system, there is also additional storage for up to 50 lbs of luggage (golf clubs? weed?) for those weekend getaways.
This weekend warrior weapon converts from ground to air by deploying the innovative and patented 'scissor' wing system. Tucked away while tooling down the highway, deployment of the wings is accompanied by an automatic change of the instrument panel from speedo/tach to flight instruments. If the ability to cruise at 500 feet isn't enough, Samson is also selling the Switchblade as a 'green machine', with an expected fuel efficiency of 60mpg on the ground and 22mpg in the air (at a hair raising 130mph).
Samson is taking deposits on the 'kit', which will run a hefty 60k, or 80k if you want the engine and avionics. (Yes, please.) But don't worry if you're all thumbs in the shop, Samson will provide assembly assistance centers to ensure proper construction. And while you will need a pilot's licence for flight, there's plenty of time to log those airmiles as the first kits aren't scheduled for delivery until 2011.
That will give you plenty of time to find your Bond-like co-pilot. Calling Pussy Galore!
Fly high with the Switchblade
