JIBR record holder unveiled his new human-powered aircraft to attempt FAI records.

In this August, we got some of new information about attempting FAI record by Japan International Birdman Rally (JIBR) champion, Yuta WATANABE. As you might know, Yuta WATANABE is the record holder of JIBR Human-Powered Aircraft (HPA) distance category by achieving 60 km flight in 2019 JIBR, and one of the most notable HPA players in Japan. He told about his new HPA in an online lecture for the general public held by the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers on 7 Aug., 2020. His lecture have been archived and posted on YouTube. But this lecture is in Japanese. So this article is intended to inform some information regarding his new HPA in English. And now, you can watch the video with automatically translated caption.

Features of his new HPA is similar to a conceptual HPA “Cyclair” which was proposed by E. Schöberl, designer of Musculair 2. In fact, The new HPA was influenced indirectly by the “Cyclair”. In short, the new HPA is small, fast, light weight, and low required power. General characteristics of his two HPA, which are JIBR champion HPA and new one, are shown in a following table. His amazing engineering and manufacturing skill appear in those characteristics, especially its empty weight and required power.

	Champion HPA	New HPA
Wing spar	Wire braced CFRP tubular spar	CFRP D-box cantilever spar
Propeller location	Front tractor	Mid pusher
Cockpit structure	Fixed end beam	Cantilever beam
Wingspan	32 m	25 m
Length	8.5 m	6.7 m
Empty weight	27 kg	Design: 21 kg Actual: 22 kg
Design speed	8.2 m/s	10 m/s
Required power	—	equivalent

He gave search words of his team’s YouTube videos. Some videos have shown test of his new HPA. Those video show the above features of his new HPA, which are smaller and faster. One of those video is shown in following. The new HPA have been at initial stage in test processes. Mr. Watanabe may have not achieved a steady flight with his new HPA. However he has already achieved the first jump at least.

An engine is one of the most significant factors of HPA. How powerful is an engine of the new HPA? Mr. Watanabe, who is also an engine of the HPA, gave a brief lecture on his training. He usually trained for three months just before JIBR competition concurrently with building and testing his HPA. His training has consisted with interval training on weekday and long distance cycling on weekend. For example in 2018 season, he achieved 4000 km mileage and increased his FTP to 283 watts from 208 watts.

He plans the 3 step attempts with his new HPA in the next several years. The first step is the next JIBR champion of HPA distance category. Although his next target is the next JIBR champion, the JIBR flight will be also long distance flight test for the next step. After the test, he plans to attempt FAI record of distance around a triangle circuit or a closed circuit course over the lake Biwa, where the JIBR is held. When he success the around course record attempt, he will finally try to break the MIT Daedalus record.

His new HPA may have great performance and his power should be enough to make his attempts come true. His attempt plans may be the most exciting attempts of FAI records of HPA as of now. Nobody knows at the moment whether his attempts will be success or fail. However it is sure that his attempts excite HPA world not only of Japan but also of the world.

Like & Reference;

• 機械の日記念講演『人力飛行機の設計製作』(YouTube video/Japanese): A commemorative lecture of Machine Day, “Design and Building of Human-Powered Aircraft” (Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers official YouTube account)

poor English better than Japanese – thank you