Airfix Westland Lysander Mk.I/Mk.III Unboxing Video

One of the more unusual aircraft to see action during the Second World War, the Lysander was designed to provide the British Army with a modern aircraft for reconnaissance, observation and artillery spotting. The design team at Westlands gauged the opinions of serving Army cooperation pilots, leading them to design an aircraft with overall visibility and low speed handling as priority features. Possessing exceptional short take-off and landing capabilities, the Lysander was just what the Army were looking for. Unfortunately, many of the requirements incorporated into the aircraft were the result of outdated thinking. Of 175 Lysanders sent to France with the British Expeditionary Force, 118 would be lost, the aircraft unable to defend itself against Luftwaffe fighters. Later, the Lysander was used as a clandestine aircraft, operating 'Spy Taxi' missions into France. Operating at night, pilots had nothing more than a map, a compass and moonlight to aid navigation, with members of the Resistance using torches to indicate where the aircraft should land. Specifications: Maximum Speed: 212 mph Range: 600 miles Wingspan: 50ft Length: 30ft 6in Armament: Up to four 0.303in Browning machine guns and up to 500lbs of bombs.