Westland Lysander

The Westland Lysander was a British army co-operation aircraft, famous in WWII for its exceptional Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) capabilities. While initially used for reconnaissance and artillery spotting in 1939–1940, it later became a renowned special operations "spy plane" (1941–1944), flying clandestine, nighttime missions to insert/extract agents in occupied Europe. 
 
Key WWII Roles and Usage:
Special Operations Executive (SOE) Transport: Modified Mark IIIA (SD) models, painted matte black, carried agents and supplies to France and Belgium, landing on small, hidden fields.
Clandestine Extraction: The aircraft recovered downed airmen and agents, transporting 101 out and bringing 128 back safely.
Initial Army Co-operation: Used in 1939-1940 for reconnaissance and as light bombers, though they proved highly vulnerable to German fighters.
Other Duties: Used for target towing for training, air-sea rescue, and glider towing. 
 
Technical Features and Variants:
STOL Performance: Could land/take off in the length of a football field due to high-lift wing devices.
Modifications: Special Duties (SD) variants often had rear guns removed, extra fuel tanks, and a fixed ladder for quick entry.
Production: 1,652 units were built, with 225 manufactured in Canada. 
 
The Lysander, often affectionately called the "Lizzie," was largely obsolete as a front-line army co-operation aircraft early in the war but found a crucial, unique role in covert operations.