The de Havilland DH.53 “Humming Bird”

 

A brief history:

 

This little British monoplane was designed for the 'Daily Mail' light aeroplane trials at Lympne, in Kent, during October 1923. These trials, along with a preceding set for gliders, were intended to encourage the production of aircraft that were simple, cheap and economical enough to bring flying within the reach of everyone.

 

Like most of the entries, the original power was supplied by a twin-cylinder motorcycle engine. Neither of the two prototypes, "Humming Bird" (c/n 98, registered G-EBHX) and "Sylvia II" (c/n 99, registered G-EBHZ), won any prizes due to the fact that the chosen Douglas motorcycle engines gave continuous trouble.

 

However "Sylvia II", piloted by Major H. Hemmings, achieved a distance of 59.3 miles on one Imperial Gallon of fuel and "Humming Bird", piloted by Hubert Broad (who was the DH test pilot), gave aerobatic displays, including loops and rolls, that had never before been performed by such a small aircraft. They were the most practical aeroplanes present, barring the engine problems.

 

As a result, several other engine fitments were tried, including the Blackburne "Tomtit", the Bristol "Cherub", the ABC "Scorpion" and eventually even a 40 hp Aeronca!

 

In December 1923, "Humming Bird" was flown to Belgium for exhibition at the Brussels Aero Show (and renamed "L'Oiseau Mouche" for the occasion). An extra fuel tank (in a fairing behind the pilot's head) was fitted to extend the range for this flight and this second tank was subsequently fitted to some of the production machines.

 

After the two original machines had made appearances at various air races and shows, the Air Ministry took an interest and ordered eight examples in 1924. A further two were ordered by the Controller of Civil Aviation in Australia and a single example went to Avia in Prague.

 

The last two of the Royal Air Force's order were modified for launching experiments with the Airship R.33 and completed several 'launch and retrieval' exercises using a 'trapeze' mechanism.

 

When the eight RAF aeroplanes were struck off, they were sold to private owners and aero clubs. Most eventually succumbed to the rigours of club flying, but at least one is a static museum exhibit and a further two (which are rebuilds or replicas, depending on your point of view)  are still flying.

 

The lightplane path that started here, led Geoffrey de Havilland to his wonderful series of Moths culminating in the famous Tiger Moth - which became, for many, the ultimate light plane.

 

 

 

By Brian Farrington (Froggy), with Leyland Spurr and Jim Douglass (jimslost) – January 2008