MEDIA RELEASE

Canadian Warplane Heritage, “Canada's Flying Museum”,
9280 Airport Road, Hamilton International Airport,
Mount Hope, Ontario L0R 1W0
(905) 679-4183 ext. 228 fax: (905) 679-4186

For Immediate Release – Public Service Announcement

Date: June 10, 2009
Contact: Robin Hill
Phone: (905) 679-4183 ext. 228
E-mail: robin@warplane.com

The Westland Lysander Flys!!!

This aircraft (RCAF NO. 2361) was manufactured in 1942 by National Steel Car Company at Malton (Toronto) under license from Westland Aircraft Corporation, England. World-wide, 1660 models were built, 225 in Canada. The STOL (short take off and landing) design uses an elaborate system of leading-edge Handley Page slats and large flaps enabled the aircraft to use unprepared landing strips in battlefield conditions. Under certain conditions as little as 165 yards was all the take-off distance required.
In Canada, Lysander aircraft were chiefly used for target towing at training schools, limited navigational training, communications duty, and search and rescue operations. During WWII it was most noted for its use to transport operatives or secret agent into occupied Europe, often returning with escapees including Allied aircrew. The "Lizzie" as named by aircrew, also boasted a Browning 0.303 machine gun housed in each wheel spat. Twelve small bombs could also be carried under sub-wings fitted to the wheel spats.
This aircraft was discovered in Western Canada. The restoration project was started by the Friends of CWH in Niagara Falls, NY in 1983. In 1997, the aircraft was returned to CWH where volunteers continue to restore the aircraft to flying condition. Used to tow targets the very distinctive yellow and black paint scheme was used for high visibility during operation with the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan's (BCATP) Bombing and Gunnery Schools in Canada.

Specifications:
Type: Army Observation
Manufacturer: National Steel Car Co.
Powerplant: Bristol Mercury XX
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower: 870hp
Range – Speed: 600 miles – 212mph
Wing Span: 50ft
Length: 30ft 6in.
Height: 14ft 6in