In 1987, Roger Junqua and his son Jean-Claude presented a small, all-wood two seater canard at the International Amateurs Builders air show in Brienne-le-Chateau in France.


Proof of concept "Volucelle - RJ02"
The "VOLUCELLE", as it was called, with its futurist lines, after testing, turned out to be an excellent airplane. However, it remained a prototype which was used as a research and test-bed airplane for the development of the "IBIS".

The designer, Roger Junqua, an ex French Air Force airplane mechanic, had always been very interested in amateur airplane construction. He has worked on the "Dewatine 500" and the "Spitfire" as well as taking part in the design and construction of M. Gatards "Poussin" and "Pigeon" designs. All of the above represents more than 50 years experience, which makes him a specialist in this domain.

The "IBIS" is the product of technical advances made during research-work carried out on its forerunner the "VOLUCELLE".

Airline pilot Jean-Claude Junqua has flown on most airplane types, from DC4 to Learjet, from Boeing to Piper or Falcon and Convair and has a total of 15,000 hours. He was the test pilot for the "VOLUCELLE" and "IBIS" and prepared the plans for the latter airplane.


Designer Roger JUNQUA and son Jean-Claude with "Volucelle - RJ02"

Amongst his friends who contributed to the success of the design, a special mention to Mr J.Yves Andreazza, Mrs Marlene Gillrath and Bernard Couton for their help.

Bernard Couton Mécanic who adapt the IBIS engines.	Marlene Gillrath who compiled the construction Manual in French and English.	Jean-Yves Andreazza builder of the "proof of concept" VOLUCELLE.
Martin PETER director of the "Eiffel wing tunnel" in Paris preparing the "IBIS model scale 1/4".

In March 1992 the IBIS received its French certification at Pau airport in France.

The "IBIS" prototype

We can detail a whole list of advantages (cost, construction specifications, weight, etc.) why we have designed the IBIS in wood. Totally enclosed in wood, it requires no Canvas coverings.

Particular emphasis has been placed on optimizing its aerodynamics (wind-tunnel testing) which offset the lay-out constraints that the use of wood (spruce, douglas fir) imposes. By utilizing a combination of "Styrodur" (polystyrene) with identically-matching plywood ribs and depression-bonding of surface-coatings, we have been able to scrupulously respect its lines and give it a surface finish matching that of top synthetic-fibre aircrafts.

Fitted with "flaperons" on the wings, its approach speed is identical to that of classic aircraft bearing the same load per m2. With little nosing-up during approach, rearward and forward visibility is excellent like in the glider. Due to the use of a nonlaminar surface on the canard, flights are not affected by rainy weather conditions.

All these features coupled with the "canard" concept give the IBIS exceptional performances; IBIS costs per passenger/km are 20-25% lower than for classic aircrafts. In fact, the fuel consumption is only 13 l/h at 200 km cruising speed or 10 l/h at 180 km. The rate of climb is 700’ at max. take-off weight with only 60 HP.

Piloting the IBIS-plane does not present any difficulties, and is easier than the conventional plane (no engine torque), which make you believe one is piloting a jet or a modern glider. The stall caracteristics are smooth.

Its construction price is that of a one-seat plane thanks to minimum material requirements and the maximum use of space-capacity. This in no way affects its reliability (computer-monitoring gives a coefficient superîor to 7).

The IBIS is designed to be used with different types of engines (VW-183Occ, VW-1915cc, French JPX-475T, Australian JABIRU 2200cc, Limbach-2000 EC) and cas be fitted with certain types of rotary engines (MID-WEST).

Estimated construction time is put at 2200 hours.

Plans (set of 12 drawings and a 160 pages contruction handbook) of the IBIS aircraft are available in French and English version.

Thank you for the interest you have shown in this "French-made canard" airplane, your future leisure investment.

Yours truly,

Roger and Jean-Claude JUNQUA