The Lysander is best known for its "cloak and dagger" role -- flying agents in and out of German-occupied Europe. Its slow speed and short takeoff and landing capability made it well-suited for such night missions into unprepared fields. "Special Duties" Lysander III modified for this role carried no guns or armor but had an extra fuel tank and a ladder for quick passenger pickup and delivery. In 1941-44, Lysander IIIA pilots flying alone delivered or picked up more than 800 agents in France, never knowing whether German soldiers might be waiting at the landing sites.

Recommended Reading Classic Airplanes By Harold Rabinowitz

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