What wartime plane is this? (Picture provided)?

Question

I know it was used to rescue downed pilots, and then versions like this one were used to tow target practice gliders or something.

http://h***s-wingman.deviantart.com/art/Rugged-Rescuer-88791685

Answer 1

Westland Lysander

Answer 2

Westland Lysander.  Originally designed for Army Coorperation, but became a utility aircraft, and flying weapons across the Channel to the resistance.

That particular example is painted up as an arial target towing aircraft.

Answer 3

Quick, everyone google Lysander and post a response detailing the good and bad characteristics as if you have a few thousand hours flying them!

Answer 4

The caption to the picture reads:

"This plane was also at the Warplane Heritage airshow. Its a Westland Lysander. The kind in this marking used to tug targets."

Answer 5

looks like a russian polykarpov.

Answer 6

Well you link heading says it is Lysander , so why ...?

Answer 7

It's called the Lysander, after a famous warrior (a Good Guy) in Greek Literature.  It was manufactured in England during the Second World War by the Westland Aircraft Company.  The Lysander was famous for STOL performance, successful clandestine operations, an amazing capacity to survive being shot up, and an amazing load-carrying capacity.

There are several Lysanders still in operation.

For more information, do an internet search on "westland lysander."

Answer 8

That is a Westland Lysander.  Originally designed for "Army Cooperation" which means battlefield recce, and artillery spotting.  It was obsolete for those missions, but due to its spectacular STOL abilities, it was perfect for Special Operations Missions ( a forerunner of the MC130, MH47 and MH53 as a matter of fact).

It was also used for target tug-as that version is painted, and casevac.

Answer 9

Well its an RAF