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Flying Motorcycle from Samson Motorworks

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it a motorcycle? No. Yes. And... yes. Samson Motorworks is in the process of developing two dual-use Multi Mode Vehicles (MMV) which offer the versatility of being able to fly... and drive.

The three-wheeled Flying Motorcycles feature a canard layout, with the main wing at the back and the tailplane at the front, as reported by Gizmag.

The Skybike uses a patent pending telescope wing design, while the Switchblade uses a scissor wing design to retract the wings when you swap the airway for the freeway.

The Switchblade is powered by a 20hp Freedom Motor twin rotor engine that propels the vehicle to an acceptable over 90 mph on wheels and 134 mph while flying. The vehicle runs on regular unleaded gasoline and has a 16-gallon fuel capacity.

Other standard features include front and rear disc brakes, glass cockpit, lightning protection, redundant ignition and battery system, navigation radio, altimeter and attitude and ballistic chute recovery system. Autopilot, XM radio and weather, heated windshield, and secured floor mats come as optional.

The Skybike is close to the Switchblade. It’s designed to reach speed of 80 mph over land or over 130 mph through the air. Features include flexible electronic instrument main panel that changes automatically from ground to flight, navigation radio and leather seating for two plus 50 pounds luggage capacity.

Both MMVs include air conditioning, video rear view monitor, dual ground/air lighting system and stereo CD player with MP3 input (R. Kelly’s I Believe I Can Fly should sound just fine in it).

The design reduces the risk of overturning while traveling on the ground and is also stall resistant, providing an extra level of safety. Unfortunately, no pricing has been announced yet. Samson Motorworks is aiming towards having its designs classified as motorbikes for ground based travel and available in early 2010.
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