LIMITED EDITION
The AVIATION archive
A detailed DIE-CAST model for the adult collector
World War II aircraft of the MTO
Overseas, Lysanders had replaced Audaxes in No. 208 Squadron in Egypt in April 1939, and the squadron's new aircraft saw action in the Western Desert alongside Hawker Hurricanes of the same squadron which were being used for tactical reconnaissance. The squadron later took part in the Greek campaign, it's Lysanders being replaced by Tomahawks in 1942. No.6 Squadron at Ramleh, Palestine, operated a variety of aircraft, and was using Hawker Hardies and Gloster Gauntlets when it received its Lysanders in February 1940. Following problems in Palestine, the squadron had relocated there in 1938 reverting to the Army Cooperation role. It eventually left Palestine and started operations in the Western Desert, with Lysanders, in September 1940,although the squadron HQ remained in Palestine.
Gradually Hurricanes replaced Lysanders in the tactical reconnaissance role, being fully equipped by June 1941. However, in August, these were replaced by Lysanders and Gladiators with some Blenheims and Hurricanes being added later, but all were removed again in January 1942 when the squadron assumed maintenance duties. Although withdrawn from first-line service, Lysander's continued in operation for a variety of other roles as target-tugs, air-sea rescue aircraft and, least publicized at the time, with the Special Operations Executive (SOE), which formed three squadrons (Nos. 138, 161 and 357), using a mixed bag of aircraft which included Lysander's, maintained contact with resistance groups in occupied Europe, dropping ammunition, explosives, radios and other equipment and transporting agents to and from the continent. It was in these night operations in occupied territory that the Lysander's really came into its own, being able to use its remarkable short landing and take-off capabilities to the utmost in the small fields marked out by the resistance. Lysander Mk Ibis and Mk Ixias were used for this work, 367 of the former and 347 of the latter being built, powered by the 870 hp (649 kW) Bristol Mercury XX or 30 engines. Final production variant was the Totem IIIA target-tug, of which 100 were built. Figures for total Lysander production vary, as a number of aircraft were cancelled, but around 1,652 were built, including 225 under license in Canada by National Steel Car Corporation Limited (Victory Aircraft Limited) in Malton (Toronto).
Designed to meet an Air Ministry specification for an army co-operation aircraft, the Lysander was first flown on June 15th, 1936. This unconventional looking aircraft had contoured wings that were angled slightly forward so that the pilot was positioned in front of the wing. Its roles included reconnaissance, message pickup, artillery spotting and some limited bombing, but its superb short takeoff and landing capabilities are what set it apart from other aircraft of its time, making it perfect for special night missions such as transportation of agents and supplies to and from mainland Europe.
Corgi's 1:72 Lysander features a beautifully replicated gull wing and a skillfully rendered canopy with a clear view of the pilot and rear gunner. Details of a Lewis machine gun with spare ammo drums below are visible through the rear portion of the canopy. A photo-etched crew ladder is included with most releases, and the landing gear spats have separately installed lights with internal machine gun barrels above. Each release includes radial engine details, engine exhaust pipe, package retrieval hook and transparent windows. Certain releases include stub wings loaded with bombs or a center mounted external fuel tank for clandestine operations.
Eén uitvoering;
- Westland Lysander Mk.I - L6877/JV-W, RAF, No.6 Squadron, Palestine 1940.
