Airfix - Westland Lysander Mk.III Special Duties
- 1:48
Product Code: A07117
(Pre-Order Due September 2026)
In 1941, the RAF issued a requirement for around 40
of their Westland Lysander communications aircraft to undergo
modification in support of a new clandestine role, which they described
as ‘Special Duties’. The aircraft had defensive armament removed and
have their range increased by adding a larger oil tank internally, and
an external 150 gallon fuel tank under the fuselage. The gunner’s
compartment was also modified by adding a rear-sliding single piece
canopy, and room to accommodate up to three people inside. A robust
ladder was fixed to the port-side fuselage to allow passengers to
quickly enter and exit the aircraft when they were engaged in this new
‘Spy Taxi’ role.
Operating under cover of darkness and with the
support of the French Resistance, specialist crews bravely flew these
unarmed aircraft across the English Channel at night, delivering and
extracting agents at great personal risk to all involved, operations
which proved crucial to the eventual outcome of the Second World War.
| Model Scale; 1:48 |
Dimensions (mm): L192 x W316 |
| Number of Parts: 197 |
Requires Painting: Yes |
| Skill Level: 3 |
Flying Hours: 3 |
Paints required but not included: TBA
