300 flying cars for Uzbekistan's skies

Uzbekistan could soon become a testing ground for flying cars. Private aviation service provider AIR Tashkent and US manufacturer Samson Sky have signed a memorandum of understanding to bring at least 300 Switchblade flying cars into the country. The planned deal is worth over $60 million.

The agreement was concluded as part of the opening of AIR Tashkent's Easy to Fly Academy. The plan is to collaborate on sales, pilot training, and maintenance services. Some of the flying cars will be used specifically for training private and commercial pilots.

Samson Sky intends to provide flight simulators and train mechanics for maintenance and service. In addition, approval for road and flight operations is to be prepared in cooperation with the Uzbek authorities.

Hybrid of sports car and aircraft

The Switchblade is a hybrid vehicle that can be used both as a three-wheeled sports car and as a light aircraft. The wings can be folded in so that the vehicle fits into a normal garage and can be driven on public roads to an airport. There, it is ready to fly in around three minutes at the touch of a button.

In the air, the model reaches a cruising speed of 257 km/h and has a range of up to 805 kilometers. The flying car has already completed its maiden flight in the US and is in series production.

Samson Sky founder Sam Bousfield sees great potential for fast regional connections within Uzbekistan and beyond. The initiative is part of efforts to expand private aviation in the country and establish new mobility solutions.

This article was produced in cooperation with our partner bne intelliNews.