Airfix - Westland Lysander Mk.I / Mk.III - 1:48

1. Westland Lysander Mk.I, No.16 Squadron, Royal Air Force Old Sarum, Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, 1938-39. (A)
2. Westland Lysander Mk.III, No.309 Polish Fighter-Reconnaissance Squadron, Royal Air Force Renfrew, Glasgow, Scotland, 1940. (B)

Packed full of detail, this brand-new mould includes closed or open canopy options, to reveal the detailed internal fuselage structure. The wings can be built with open or closed leading edge slats and dropped flaps. The undercarriage features covered or uncovered wheels, with optional bomb racks and full bomb load.

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. Possessing exceptional short take-off and landing capabilities, the Lysander was just what the Army were looking for.

Unfortunately, many of the design requirements incorporated into the aircraft were the result of outdated thinking.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.