Ardpol 72-049 LWS 3H Mewa (Float Version)

The LWS-3 Mewa was a Polish observation and accompanying aircraft (in cooperation with the army) of a mixed construction, in the high wing configuration, with a fixed undercarriage. The drive was provided by a single engine Gnome-Rhone 14 M5 Mars with 730 hp. The flight of the prototype took place in 1937 - a year later, serial production began, which lasted until 1939, ending with the production of about 25-30 machines of this type. They were armed with 3 PWU wz. 36 and 37 caliber 7.92 mm.

The LWS-3 Mewa was created as the successor of the Lublin R.XIII aircraft. The machine was to be characterized by much better performance - especially the maximum speed, to have stronger protective armament, to have a covered cockpit and observer, and to be able to continue to operate from field airfields. The first work on the new aircraft was started at the PZL plant in Warsaw in 1935, but later it was handed over to LWS. This extended the development work, but in the end the LWS-3 turned out to be a very successful aircraft, at least comparable to such designs as the Westland Lysander or Hs-126. However, the significant technical advancement of the aircraft caused delays in its production and in achieving combat readiness. As a result, the first LWS-3 machines began to be delivered to units only in August or September 1939. They did not manage to take much part in combat operations.