Level 3 Model Kit Westland Lysander Mk.I/Mk.III Aircraft with 2 Scheme Options 1/48 Plastic Model Kit by Airfix

• Brand new plastic model kit of Westland Lysander Mk.I/Mk.III Aircraft with 2 Scheme Options (Level 3) 1/48 plastic model kit by Airfix.
• Brand new box.
• Vintage style packaging.
• Officially licensed product.
• Contains 171 detailed parts.
• Does NOT include display stand.
• Paint and cement required (not included).
• Manufacturer's original unopened packaging.
• Parts molded in Light Gray, unless otherwise indicated.
• Includes decals to design the plane in 2 different schemes.
• Dimensions approximately L-7.5, W-12.5 inches assembled.

HISTORY ASPECTS:
The Westland Lysander Mk.I entered service with the Royal Air Force in the late 1930s as an army cooperation aircraft, designed for reconnaissance, artillery spotting, and liaison duties. No.16 Squadron, based at RAF Old Sarum in Wiltshire, was among the first units to operate the Lysander, using it to refine tactics for battlefield observation and communication between ground and air forces. The aircraft’s high-wing monoplane design, fixed landing gear, and exceptional short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities allowed it to operate from rough fields close to the front lines. By 1939, the more advanced Mk.III variant was introduced, featuring a more powerful Bristol Mercury engine and improved defensive armament.
At the outbreak of World War II, the Lysander was deployed for reconnaissance and light bombing missions, particularly during the early campaigns in France. No.16 Squadron used the aircraft extensively for spotting enemy movements and directing artillery fire, but as the German Blitzkrieg overwhelmed Allied forces, the slow and lightly armed Lysander proved highly vulnerable to enemy fighters. Many were lost during the Battle of France, forcing a reassessment of their role. By 1941, the Lysander had been reassigned to clandestine operations, particularly for inserting and extracting agents behind enemy lines in occupied France. Specially modified Lysanders, equipped with an extra fuel tank and ladder for rapid boarding, were used by the Special Operations Executive (SOE) for these daring missions.
Despite being retired from frontline service by the mid-war years, the Lysander remained in use for secondary roles such as air-sea rescue, target towing, and training. Its legacy as one of the most versatile aircraft of the war is firmly established, particularly for its contributions to intelligence and resistance efforts in Nazi-occupied Europe. While overshadowed by more advanced aircraft, the Lysander’s unique capabilities and its role in covert operations ensured its place in aviation history.
This 1:48 scale model features authentic No.16 Squadron markings from its pre-war service at RAF Old Sarum, with finely detailed panel lines, realistic cockpit instrumentation, and optional landing gear configurations. This replica perfectly captures the rugged elegance of the legendary STOL aircraft. Whether displayed in flight or on the ground, this collectible is a must-have for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike.