Tag: Westland Lysander

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Moonlight Crusaders: How Special Duties Squadrons Brought Spies In and Out of Occupied Europe

Soon to be released by Osprey Publishing is Moonlight Crusaders: Special Duties Pilots over Occupied Europe, author Paul Smiddy’s engrossing history exploring the creation, development and actions of the Special Duties squadrons, which carried spies, political figures and documents in and out of Occupied Europe.

In 1940, Winston Churchill famously set in motion the Special Operations Executive. However, the creation of secret agent networks required a clandestine transport infrastructure to support nascent resistance movements in Occupied Europe. With only the moon to guide their way, the daring pilots of 161 Squadron constantly faced danger: their locations could be discovered, German night-fighters and flak had to be contended with and, of course, they dealt with the worst of European weather. Despite these extra risks, these Special Duties pilots were remarkably successful.

Packed with first-hand accounts and expert research, this book dives into the history of the men who flew these dangerous missions and the main aircraft they used – unarmed Lysanders. Author Paul Smiddy, an RAF-trained pilot, explores the origins of the Lysander, the dangers it posed to its pilots and how operational techniques were developed. Facing political interference and limited resources from the RAF, these brave and under-recognised pilots provided a critical role in the war – bringing back agents with important information to help Britain and the Allies defeat the Germans.

The 384 page book is currently available for pre-order in hardcover and Kindle editions. Release is set for May 5.

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Airfix to Release New Westland Lysander Mk.III “Special Duties” Kit

As part of their 2026 range, Airfix will be releasing a new Westland Lysander Mk.III Special Duties model kit in 1/48 scale.

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.

The new kit (A07117) is based on Airfix’s 2025 new tool Lysander (A07116 / eBay product link), but will feature newly tooled components specific to the ‘Special Duties’ version, including a rear cockpit access ladder, 150-gallon internal auxiliary fuel tank, ventral 150-gallon long-range fuel tank, rear passenger seating, New spinner, IFF Mk.III lower-rear aerial and a female agent figure. The kit is currently expected sometime this summer. Click below to check out newly released renderings.

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Dora Wings Releases New Westland Lysander Mk.III Model KIt

Dora Wings has released their new Westland Lysander Mk.III model kit in 1/72 scale.

The new offering (DW72024) is reportedly based on the new tool Lysander Mk.III (SD) kit released last year (DW72023) and includes new parts. Photos of the contents suggests that the kit includes plastic and photo etched parts and a painting mask. Livery options for four aircraft are also included representing V9441 (AR-A) of 309 Polish Fighter Reconnaissance Squadron, V9618 (E) of 754 Naval Air Squadron, T1686 (AQ-H) of 276 Squadron, and V8547 (BA-E) of 277 Squadron.

Click below to check out the Buy on eBay on eBay as well as additional images showing livery profiles, kit contents and a completed model.

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Dora Wings To Release New Westland Lysander Mk III Model Kit

Dora Wings is slated to release a new Westland Lysander Mk.III model kit in 1/72 scale.

The upcoming release (DR72024) is reportedly based on the company’s new tool Lysander Mk.III SD kit (DW72023) released in 2019 and includes “one new form.” Liveries have also been announced, the profiles for which can be seen below.

The kit is currently slated for release in September.

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Dora Wings Announces Development of 1/72 Westland Lysander

Dora Wings has announced “project work” on a 1/72 Westland Lysander.

At the moment, no additional details have been released, although the company has posted a series of images showing the aircraft in the early stages of development. Click below to see more.

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Lysander V9312 Returns to the Air After 14-Year Restoration

After 14 years of “meticulous restoration work” Lysander V9312 returned to the air yesterday evening for its first post-restoration flight.

As previously reported, the aircraft (seen above in Florida prior to restoration) was originally built in 1940 and operated with 612, 225 and 4 Squadrons before being converted into a target tug and delivered to Canada in 1942, where it saw service with the Commonwealth Air Training Plan. Following its final flight in 1944, the machine was acquired by an owner in Saskatchewan and placed in storage. It was later acquired by Kermit Weeks before being passed on to the Aircraft Restoration Company at Duxford in 2003.

The aircraft returned to the air for its second flight earlier this afternoon and the team will reportedly be working through the rest of the air-test schedule before finishing off the last few aesthetic touches in time for its scheduled public debut at The Goodwood Revival 2018.

Click below to check out images of yesterday’s flight.

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Lysander V9312 Nearing First Post-Restoration Flight [Video]

After “bubbling away in the background for many years,” the Aircraft Restoration Company of Duxford is nearing the completion and first post-restoration flight of Westland Lysander V9312.

The aircraft was originally built in 1940 and operated with 612, 225 and 4 Squadrons before being converted into a target tug and delivered to Canada in 1942, where it saw service with the Commonwealth Air Training Plan. Following its final flight in 1944, the machine was acquired by an owner in Saskatchewan and placed in storage. It was later acquired by Kermit Weeks before being passed on to the Aircraft Restoration Company in 2003.

Following a “long, meticulous restoration” V9312’s nine-cylinder Bristol Mercury engine performed its first test on August 8. The machine is now said to be “gathering pace and character with every passing moment” as its return to flight approaches.

Click below to check out a video of the recent engine test.

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Extremely Rare, Airworthy Lysander Offered For Sale

Please Note: This is an archived post. The information presented here may not be current and the associated listing may no longer be active.

National Steel Car Corp. (Westland) Lysander 3A C-FVZZ, one of only three airworthy examples of the type in the world, has hit the market.

The machine’s fuselage reportedly came from S/N 1206 (RCAF 2365), built by the National Steel Car Corp., while the wings were sourced from another unconfirmed ex-RCAF airframe. It was initially restored to airworthy condition by Harry Whereatt and later restored again by Vintage Wings of Canada before returning to the air in June 2010.

The Lysander’s airframe reportedly has a total time of 990.9 hrs since new. Since its rebuild, the airframe and Mercury XX engine (S/N 57337) have amassed 74.7 hrs. The livery represents National Steel Car Lysander 416, the first built by the company in 1939.

The Lysander is currently being offered for US$950,000. Click here to check out the complete listing.

(via Platinum Fighter Sales Additional Information via Vintage Wings of Canada Photo: Jean-Guy Pitre via Wikimedia Commons)