The Lysander is a two-seat reconnaissance and artillery spotting monoplane defined by Specification A 39/34 in response to Operational Requirement OR. 18. Three squadrons of Mk. Is and three of Mk. Us equipped during 1938/39 moved to France with BEF in 1939; about 50 Westland Lysanders were shot down and 30 destroyed on the ground in May 1940.

Three squadrons of Mk. Is and three of Mk. Us equipped during 1938/39 moved to France with BEF in 1939; about 50 Westland Lysanders were shot down and 30 destroyed on the ground in May 1940.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of a RAF Westland Lysander Mk. IIIA reconnaissance aircraft that was attached to 357 Squadron, then deployed to Burma during 1945. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 8-1/4-inches
Length: 5-1/4-inches

Release Date: October 2012

Historical Account: "Burmese Pythons" - Famed for its very short take-off and landing (STOL) capabilities, the Westland Lysander proved itself to be a capable and dependable machine across all allied fronts during the Second World War.

One of its lesser known theatres of operation however, was in the so called forgotten war the conflict in Burma. During the opening stages of the war in Burma, the Lysander had been used for bombing duties. However, by 1945 the aircraft was being used to drop covert forces behind enemy lines. The Lysander was ideally suited to this very risky job, blessed with such good STOL capabilities.

While 357 Squadron only operated the Lysander for a brief period of time, from March to November 1945 the squadron flew countless operations and dropped many agents, sometimes deep behind enemy lines. It was in this theatre that the Lysander last saw operational service with the RAF, thus ending its distinguished frontline career.