159 Westland Lysander

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Publisher: Profile Publications England
Cover: Soft
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Synopsis: The Westland Lysander represents one of World War II's most specialized aircraft, designed specifically for army cooperation missions that required exceptional short-field performance and low-speed handling characteristics that enabled operations from the most primitive airstrips in direct support of ground forces. This comprehensive profile examines the development of this unique aircraft under the design leadership of Arthur Davenport at Westland Aircraft, creating an aircraft that combined unconventional design features with mission-specific capabilities that made it indispensable for specialized operations throughout the war. The book details the aircraft's distinctive design philosophy emphasizing maximum visibility for pilot and observer, exceptional low-speed control authority, and structural strength sufficient for operations from unprepared fields while carrying observers, communications equipment, and light armament for reconnaissance and liaison missions. Technical specifications reveal the Lysander's specialized capabilities: powered by a Bristol Mercury XX radial engine producing 870 horsepower, achieving maximum speed of 212 mph at 10,000 feet, with remarkable short-field performance including takeoff and landing distances under 150 yards that enabled operations from improvised airstrips. The profile analyzes the aircraft's unique design features including the high-wing configuration with automatic leading-edge slats, fixed spatted landing gear with exceptional shock absorption, and extensive glazing that provided unparalleled visibility for observation and reconnaissance missions. Armament analysis covers the defensive installation including one forward-firing .303 Browning machine gun and two rear-mounted flexible guns, plus provision for light bombs or message containers for communication with isolated ground forces. Operational history chronicles the Lysander's introduction to RAF service in 1938, providing army cooperation squadrons with specialized capability for tactical reconnaissance, artillery spotting, and communication missions that required intimate cooperation with ground forces. The book examines early war operations including service during the Battle of France where Lysanders demonstrated their intended capabilities while revealing vulnerability to modern fighter aircraft that led to tactical modifications and operational restrictions. Combat accounts detail typical army cooperation missions including artillery observation, tactical reconnaissance, and communication flights that maintained contact between separated military formations during the fluid conditions of early World War II operations. The profile covers the aircraft's most famous service with Special Operations Executive, where Lysanders provided clandestine transport for agents operating in occupied Europe, utilizing exceptional short-field performance to operate from improvised landing sites behind enemy lines. Technical sections examine the sophisticated high-lift devices that enabled exceptional low-speed performance, analyzing the automatic slats, large flaps, and control system design that provided precise handling characteristics at minimum flying speeds. Special operations receive extensive coverage, analyzing the aircraft's adaptation for agent transport missions including navigation equipment for night operations, fuel system modifications for extended range, and specialized equipment for clandestine warfare operations. The book details various sub-variants including the Mark II with improved equipment, the Mark III with enhanced performance, and specialized versions equipped for target towing and air-sea rescue operations. Training operations are covered, examining the Lysander's use in pilot instruction programs where exceptional handling characteristics and forgiving flight behavior made it ideal for training aircrew in short-field techniques and precision flying. Manufacturing details reveal production achievements with over 1,650 Lysanders manufactured, demonstrating the aircraft's importance in providing specialized capability that could not be achieved with conventional aircraft designs. Notable operations featured include the systematic insertion and extraction of SOE agents throughout occupied Europe, tactical reconnaissance missions during major military campaigns, and air-sea rescue operations where the aircraft's short-field capability enabled operations from coastal strips. The profile analyzes the aircraft's limitations including vulnerability to fighter attack and modest performance that restricted operations to specialized roles where unique capabilities outweighed performance disadvantages. Post-war service coverage includes the aircraft's continued use in air-sea rescue, target towing, and training roles where short-field performance and exceptional handling remained valuable despite the availability of more advanced aircraft. Civilian applications receive attention, examining the aircraft's adaptation to agricultural, survey, and utility roles where robust construction and short-field capability proved valuable for operations in remote locations. The comprehensive profile includes detailed technical drawings, special equipment installations, and color schemes from various operational units including the famous black-painted aircraft used for clandestine operations throughout occupied Europe. Research reveals the aircraft's unique contribution to aerial warfare through specialized capability that enabled operations impossible with conventional aircraft, demonstrating the value of purpose-designed aircraft for specific military requirements despite apparent performance limitations compared to general-purpose designs.

159 Westland Lysander, is one of the many primary source materials in the Army Air Corps Museum collection.