Fusha Sakai, a member of Japan’s Osaka Public University’s Sakai Windmill Association, has achieved a remarkable milestone in aviation by creating a unique aircraft that operates like a bicycle. The Sakai Windmill Association, a student-led group dedicated to human-powered flight, designs, manufactures, and pilots its aircraft, competing in events like the Birdman Contest to set records.
Since their debut in 1994, the Sakai Windmill Association has participated in over 20 flights, securing victory six times across two categories. Their latest creation, a flying bicycle, was shared on social media platform X by Massimo, garnering over 5.9 million views and 38,000 likes since its November 8 debut.
The video showcases a person pedalling on the aircraft, which features wings and a large rotating fan, highlighting Sakai’s innovative approach to manned flight. While the invention has been widely praised, concerns about fatigue during continuous pedalling have been raised.
Despite setbacks, such as a damaged aircraft during last year’s Birdman Contest, where they placed 7th in the Human Powered Propeller Aircraft Division, the Sakai Windmill Association remains undeterred. The team is gearing up for this year’s competition, aiming to showcase their ingenuity and commitment to pushing the boundaries of human-powered flight with their sensational flying bicycle aircraft.
