Wonderful Defiants

[CharlesBronson]

After seeing this propaganda you might think this plane was better than the P-51 or me-262s.

 

[stona]

Yes, economy with the truth and a few outright lies help to make any good propaganda film
Cheers
Steve

 

[CharlesBronson]

Hehe, in spite of that I think the Defiant DID have some development potential, but needed more armament and higher power engine, who knows maybe could be used for bomber escort duties.

 

[stona]

Hehe, in spite of that I think the Defiant DID have some development potential, but needed more armament and higher power engine, who knows maybe could be used for bomber escort duties.

The turret fighter concept was not as daft as it now appears with hindsight. The British did intend to use turrets fitted with 20mm cannon which reflects the turret fighters origins as a means of bringing firepower to bear on enemy formations.
I'm not sure that there was much room for development in the late 1930s/1940s, but this has more to do with the enormous leap in the design and performance of single engine fighter aircraft between say 1934 and the outbreak of the war, than it does with the turret fighter itself.
I would say the film reflects more accurately what the British hoped the Defiant could do than what it actually achieved. It did alright as an early night fighter.
Cheers
Steve

 

[Gnomey]

Good video!

 

[Airframes]

Nice one !

 

[Wayne Little]

good video!

 

[Wurger]

 

[nuuumannn]

Great footage and interesting detail, but yes, the commentary is a little imaginative. Gotta keep the folk at home believing we are winning the war eh, old Fruit, wot wot?

 

[CharlesBronson]

Many people probably thought , why are we making Spitfires if we have this thing ??, hehe

Defiant prototype filmed in a very british weather

 

[Wurger]

 

[stona]

We shouldn't forget that in 1939/40 the Defiant looked like a very modern aircraft. A monoplane turret fighter with retractable undercarriage with four machine guns, powered by one of the most powerful aero engines in the world.
Cheers
Steve

 

[nuuumannn]

Nice clip CB, interesting stuff in the background, Hampden, Wellington Mk.I and those people watching at 0.13 are standing in front of the Defiant prototype, so can't be watching it's flying display. Continuity errors! Huh!

We shouldn't forget that in 1939/40 the Defiant looked like a very modern aircraft.

It was a very modern aircraft, so was the Fairey Battle, Bristol Blenheim, Bristol Bombay etc. The crucible of war exposes weakness in the best laid plans.