Sqd. Leader McClarens planebr/ The DH53 Humming Bird was de Havillandsrsquo; first venture into the light plane field. It was fitted with a 750cc Douglas motorcycle engine, later, the 26 hp Blackburne Tomtit 670cc engine. The DH53 Humming Bird was ordered by the Royal Air Force and also for experimental work; this included launching and retrieval from the airship, R-33. Two DH53s were fitted with a pylon and pick-up gear for attachment to a trapeze lowered from the airship.