About This Aircraft
The Boulton Paul Defiant Mk I was a British two-seater fighter that featured a unique "turret-fighter" configuration. N1671, which served with 264 Squadron, was powered by a Rolls-Royce Merlin III engine. Unlike conventional fighters, the Defiant had no forward-firing armament; its sole weaponry was a hydraulically-powered dorsal turret housing four .303 Browning machine guns, operated by a gunner. This design concept was initially successful, as enemy fighters often attacked from the rear, mistaking it for a Hurricane or Spitfire, and were surprised by its potent rear firepower. The Defiant performed well during the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940. However, it proved highly vulnerable to the Luftwaffe's nimble Bf 109s during the Battle of Britain when attacked from the front or below. Subsequently, the Defiant was transitioned to a successful role as a night fighter, where its turret armament proved effective.
Museums Featuring This Aircraft
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