Airfix Boulton Paul Defiant Mk.I

The Boulton-Paul Defiant was the only turret fighter to enter service with the RAF. The Defiant operated on the philosophy that a fighter aircraft, armed solely with a turret bristling with machine guns, could enter a bomber stream and cause havoc while also defending itself from enemy fighters.

During its first few engagements in the Battle of Britain in 1940, enemy pilots were taken by surprise, and the Defiant performed well. However, the Luftwaffe pilots soon discovered its weaknesses, particularly the lack of forward-firing guns, and the Defiant was subsequently relegated to night fighting duties, where it performed better.