Angelwing designs
MFA Hummingbird
Regular price
£109.95
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Capture the Magic of RC History: The 50th Anniversary Hummingbird
Experience one of the pioneers of electric flight—reimagined with modern precision for a relaxing, high-performance flying experience.
The Story Behind the Icon
In 1976, the MFA Hummingbird made history as one of the world's first commercially available electric RC model aircraft kits. It sparked a lifelong passion for electric flight in modelers around the globe—including myself.
My first encounter was in 1983, when my late brother built one. Back then, it was plagued by heavy, gutless 540 brushed motors and volatile AA NiCad batteries that were prone to exploding if charged on a car battery charger! (trust me I watched it happen ) On its maiden flight, it managed just 50 feet before tearing out its undercarriage. After inheriting the debris, I rebuilt it repeatedly, eventually managing a whole circuit before converting it to nitro power just to make it sustain flight.
Despite its early technical limitations, the concept of electric flight hooked me forever. Fifty years later, we have fixed everything that frustrated pilots of the original kit, while preserving the exact classic lines that made the original design so beloved.
Classic Outline. Modern Performance.
The 50th Anniversary Hummingbird brings vintage aesthetics into the modern era using premium materials and state-of-the-art manufacturing.
- Ultra-Lightweight Design: Half the flying weight of the 1976 original at just 500g ready to fly.
- Laser-Cut Precision: High-quality balsa and plywood fuselage parts fit together effortlessly.
- Premium Flight Geometry: Fully built-up balsa wings feature a modified, highly efficient Clark Y style wing section.
- Rugged Components: Features a 3D-printed, heat-tolerant flexible undercarriage and a durable Acetal motor mount.
- Complete Hardware Pack: Includes wheels, vinyl decals, a vinyl windscreen with side screens and door outline, and beautifully drawn full-sized roll plans for the wings and fuselage.
- Optional box art decals will be available to match the model featured here
- 1120mm (44") Wingspan
Forget the heavy electronics and "gutless" performance of the past. The modern Hummingbird is a joy to pilot. Optimised for a low-cost 2205 2300kv brushless motor, a 3S 750mAh LiPo battery, and a 6x4.5 prop, this setup delivers smooth, reliable power. Driven by a pair of our premium AWD7462MG servos, the rudder and elevator controls provide a gentle, viceless flying experience. The stall characteristics are so benign they are almost non-existent. Because it is so light, the Hummingbird will happily perform basic rudder-elevator aerobatics, sniff out light thermals, and circle effortlessly in gentle lift.
Ready to build your piece of aviation history?
Add the 50th Anniversary Hummingbird to Your Collection Today
Please note build instructions are currently being writted and should be availabe by end July.