The Hummel Ultracruiser
Affordable, all-metal single-seat flying. Engineered with detachable wings, 4-stroke four-cylinder or 1/2 VW reliability, and docile, responsive aerodynamics.
Aircraft Highlights & Engineering
Detachable Wings
Each outer wing panel weighs just 20 lbs (9 kg) and detaches in minutes for convenient trailering or hangar sharing. With a 6.5 ft landing gear track, the complete aircraft fits inside a standard single-car domestic garage.
Simple All-Metal Construction
Constructed entirely from aircraft-grade 6061-T6 sheet aluminium. No fragile fabric skins to re-cover or tension cables to calibrate. Durable, robust, and capable of outdoor tie-down without hangar rot.
4-Cycle Powerplant Reliability
Engineered around dependable 4-stroke powerplants—primarily the economical 37–45 HP 1/2 Volkswagen or modern Clarus V-Twin. No high-revving 2-stroke oil mixing or premature engine seizures, with a frugal fuel burn of 1.0–2.0 gallons (4.5–7.5 L) per hour.
Docile & Responsive Handling
Utilises full-span ailerons and push-pull control tubes for crisp, slop-free pilot inputs without pulleys or control slack. Highly stable in pitch and roll with a gentle 28 mph stall speed and hands-off trimming.
Custom Cockpit Configurations
Configure your airframe in traditional tailwheel or steerable tricycle gear. Optional clear bubble canopy for winter flying or open cockpit for open-air summer touring, with mounting provisions for ballistic recovery parachutes.
UK SSDR Deregulated Compliance
Eligible for operation under the UK Civil Aviation Authority Single-Seat Deregulated (SSDR) microlight framework. No ongoing annual CAA Permit inspection fees; maintenance and airworthiness are managed directly by the builder-owner.
Dimensions, Performance & Capacities
Airframe Dimensions & Weights
| Wing Airfoil | Harry Riblett GA30-618 |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 22.5 ft (6.85 m) — Detachable outer panels |
| Wing Area | 101 sq ft (9.38 m²) |
| Wing Loading | 5.4 lb / sq ft (26.3 kg/m²) |
| Aircraft Length | 16.0 ft (4.87 m) |
| Undercarriage Track | 6.5 ft (1.98 m) |
| Design Load Factor | +4.4 G / -2.2 G (Ultimate 6.6 G) |
| Empty Weight | 252 lb (114 kg) / 276 lb (with Parachute) |
| Maximum Gross Weight | 575 lb (260 kg) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 5 US Gallons (19 Litres) |
Flight & Engine Performance
| Engine Power Range | 28 – 45 HP (1/2 VW or Clarus V-Twin) |
|---|---|
| Fuel Burn | 1.0 – 2.0 US Gal/hr (MOGAS / UL91) |
| Never Exceed Speed (Vne) | 95 mph (82 knots) |
| Economical Cruise Speed | 63 mph (55 knots) |
| Stall Speed (Vs) | 28 mph (24 knots) |
| Take-Off Ground Roll | 150 ft (45 m) |
| Over 50 ft Obstacle | 300 ft (91 m) |
| Rate of Climb (Sea Level) | 400 – 700+ ft/min (depending on engine) |
| Landing Distance | 300 ft (91 m) |
| Endurance & Range | ~2.5 – 3.0 Hours (~160–180 miles) |
Popular Airframe Configurations:
How to Build Your Ultracruiser
Plans-Built Package
Estimated Build: ~1,000 hours
Build your aircraft completely from raw stock aluminium. Includes full-scale blueprints, dimensional cut plans, CAD drawings, and comprehensive 3D builder manuals. The ultimate hands-on scratch-build project.
- Complete set of detailed construction blueprints
- 3D illustrated assembly & sequence manual
- Full raw materials & hardware specification list
- Ongoing technical guidance from Albion Aero Services
Modular Component Kits
Estimated Build: ~350–450 hours
Spread the cost of your build by ordering modular kits individually. Each module includes CNC laser-cut, pre-drilled, pre-formed aluminium skins, ribs, bulkheads, and dedicated hardware packs.
- Module A: Empennage & Tail Surfaces
- Module B: Detachable Wings & Full-Span Ailerons
- Module C: Contoured Fuselage & Undercarriage
- Module D: Controls, Push-Tubes & Engine Mount
Full Airframe Kit
Estimated Build: ~250–300 hours
Everything needed to assemble a complete flying airframe, minus basic workshop hand tools, engine, and instruments. Every aluminium component is CNC pre-cut, pre-drilled, and pre-formed for rapid, accurate rivet assembly.
- Complete airframe materials, pre-punched for Cleco assembly
- Heavy-duty 6.5 ft spring landing gear & steerable tailwheel / tri-gear
- Aircraft disc brakes, main wheels, and tyres
- Push-tube controls, torque tubes, seat belts & hardware pack
Lightning Build Kit
Estimated Build: ~75–100 hours
Delivered roughly 90% factory pre-assembled. Fuselage, wings, and control runs are pre-clecoed and riveted at the factory. Ideal for pilots who want to fly sooner with minimal airframe fabrication time.
- 90% structural riveting and airframe alignment factory complete
- Pre-fitted push-tube controls, disc brakes, and wheels
- Includes spinner, wooden propeller, seat cushions, and harness
- Ready for final engine hang, avionics wiring, and rigging
Hummel Ultracruiser Technical & Kit Inquiry
Discuss container shipping slots, engine options (1/2 VW vs. V-Twin), workshop tool requirements, or CAA SSDR documentation with our UK team.