defiant-o-phobes

[MB_Avro_UK]

Hi all,

The Defiant was designed to intercept unescorted German bombers in daylight.

At the time of it's conception in the mid-1930's, it was not anticipated that France would be defeated.

It was expected that German bombers would have to fly from Germany. And without escort.

British experience in WW1 was that two gunned forward firing fighters such as the Camel were not effective against Gotha bombers attacking London.

The Defiant fully met the Air Ministry requirements at that time. But times changed. France was defeated and German bombers were now escorted by Me 109s.

Interstingly, the best pilots in the RAF and the Luftwaffe during the 1930's were assigned to bombers. How times changed!

Best Regards,
MB_Avro.