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, search and rescue operations. During WWII it was most noted for its use to transport operatives 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. The camouflage paint
scheme represents an aircraft of No. 400 Squadron "City of Toronto".
Please click here to view
our Lysander Restoration Pages.
