The Westland Lysander was an Army Co-operation aircraft developed just before WW2.

It entered service in 1938, and was used throughout the war in various roles, most famously dropping and recovering agents into occupied France.Several countries used the Lysander, and it's short take-off and landing abilities were exceptional for the time.

The Lysander Mk 1 was armed with a 7.7mm Vickers or Lewis gun for use by the observer, and 2 x 7.7mm Browning machine guns in the wheel fairings.

Later versions had twin Lewis guns or twin Brownings in the rear, and small bomb racks on the wheel fairings, but there was a mixture of armament across all versions.

Most Lysander missions relied on secrecy as they were very vulnerable to enemy fighters, and the clandestine operations version (Mark III SCW) had a long-range drop tank, and no guns at all.

The Lysander performed the roles of Artillery Spotter, Light Bomber, Messenger, Air Sea Rescue, Clandestine Operations, and Target Tug until withdrawn from service in 1946.