Boulton Paul Defiant
A Failed Day Fighter that Redeemed Itself in the Night Role
The genesis of that theory could well be traced to the two-seat Bristol F2B, one of the most successful fighter aircraft to emerge from World War 1. Financial restrictions hampered fighter development during the 1920s; and until 1922 Great Britain’s sole fighter defence was represented by a single squadron of the Sopwith Camel’s successor, the Snipe.
The Demon
Since 1918 the two-seat fighter concept had been largely ignored; so it was a straightforward step for Hawkers to design a fighter version of their successful Hart light bomber. It emerged as the Demon, armed with two forward-firing Vickers guns and a Lewis gun mounted on a ring in the cut-away rear cockpit. But with increasing speeds the problems of accuracy and comfort for the gunner were becoming manifest. A partial solution was the so-called ‘Lobster back’ hydraulic turret which went some way to improve conditions for the gunner.
An Old Theory Re-visited
Following the clear success of Boulton Paul’s turret in their Overstrand bomber, the Air Ministry was keen to explore the feasibility of a two-seat fighter with all armament concentrated in a hydraulic four-gun turret. Boulton Paul were obvious contenders, as were Hawker; already well advanced in the design of a two-seat light bomber. The theory behind the concept was that the turret fighter would be merged with numbers of single-seaters, such as the Hawker Hurricane to intercept formations of unescorted enemy bombers. The obvious ‘enemy’ would be Germany, and the new Defiant would inflict significant damage on the slower bombers.
The Defiant
Boulton Paul’s submission for the new fighter was well received by the Air Ministry and in 1935 work began on the prototype. It emerged as a well proportioned monoplane, similar in dimension to the Hurricane, although more angular in the wing area. Like the Hurricane it was powered by a Rolls Royce Merlin, with a predicted maximum speed over 300 mph. In August 1937 the Defiant prototype made its maiden flight, revealing few shortcomings in performance and handling. It was ordered into quantity production but two years were to elapse before it entered squadron service.
Operational
In March 1940 the Defiant entered service with 264 squadron and by May was deemed to be operational. Operating from Duxford they achieved immediate success on May 11 with the destruction of a Ju88. The turret-fighter concept seemed to be vindicated, but on the following day there was a prophetic omen. After destroying four Ju87s over the Dutch coast, the six Defiants were set upon by the escorting ME109s. Five Defiants were brought down, their loss causing an immediate review of their ability to operate in daylight; but there was still to be one brief moment of glory for the Defiant.
Dunkirk
During the Dunkirk evacuation a mixed formation of Defiants and Hurricanes was engaged in strength by Me109s. In the ensuing melee the RAF claimed the destruction of 37 of the opposing 109s. There was the suggestion that the Germans mistook the Defiants for Hurricanes. If that was the case it was unlikely they would repeat the error, and shortly afterwards the type was withdrawn from daylight operations.
Nocturnal Operations
An obvious alternative for the Defiant was in the night interceptor role. Eventually thirteen squadrons were raised, and during 1940 and early 1941 they pioneered an early version of AI radar. They performed reasonably well and were a factor in night interception until the advent of more effective types, such as the Beaufighter and Mosquito.
Other Roles
By all accounts the Defiant would appear to have failed in its intended operational role. But its basic design was extremely sound, which saw it perform a host of duties, including air sea rescue, army co-operation and target towing. By 1945 it had largely disappeared from RAF service and today just one example remains; appropriately it is a Mk1 night fighter, on display at the RAF museum at Hendon. The lone Defiant is in good company; for under the same roof are two stable mates from the Battle, the esteemed Spitfire and Hurricane (hawkers_new_monoplane).
Boulton Paul Defiant
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Boulton Paul Defiant
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