Airfix - Boulton Paul Defiant NF.I - 1:48

• Boulton Paul Defiant NF.I, No. 151 Squadron, Royal Air Force Wittering, Cambridgeshire, England, February 1941. (A)
• Boulton Paul Defiant NF.I, Aircraft flown by Squadron Leader Philip James Saunders, No.264 Squadron, Royal Air Force Debden and Biggin Hill, England, December 1940/February 1941. (B)

The Boulton Paul Defiant, initially outperformed as a day fighter during the Battle of Britain, was reassigned to counter the Luftwaffe's night bombing raids over Britain. Lacking initial night combat training, Defiant crews had to innovate interception strategies during combat, finding the aircraft better suited to nocturnal engagements.

Despite early successes against Luftwaffe pilots unfamiliar with the turret fighter, Defiant crews soon encountered the aircraft's limitations. The heavy gun turret and limited defensive firing range allowed German Messerschmitts to develop effective attack strategies. As losses increased, the RAF shifted Defiants to night operations, where they were less exposed and could leverage their firepower more effectively.

During the intense night Blitz on London, Defiant crews developed their own interception methods, achieving victories against Luftwaffe bombers and contributing to a robust night defence system, thus restoring the Defiant's reputation. These all-black nightfighters became some of the most iconic RAF aircraft of the era.