Oxford Diecast Oxford Aviation AC109
Boulton Paul Defiant Mk I Diecast Model
RAF No.264 Sqn, N1535, RAF Hornchurch, August 1940 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Boulton Paul Defiant Mk I | | 5.75" | | 6.5" |
This 1:72 scale replica Boulton Paul Defiant is as flown by Sqn Ldr Phil Hunter and his gunner Sgt F King during their days at RAF Hornchurch. The serial number N1535 and fuselage code PS-A are faithfully reproduced on the sides of the aircraft which is decorated in the dark brown earth and dark green camouflage scheme with the RAF roundel on both the upper wings and the fuselage. The turret frame, gun barrels, instrument panel and tyres are all finished in black, while the cockpit is moulded in green. The underside of the aircraft is painted in a matt sky blue, against which the rusty brown exhaust pipes and wing lights are clearly visible. The single propeller is finished in black with yellow tips to the three blades and a matt white spinner.
Sqn Ldr Philip Hunter joined the RAF on 11th September 1931 as a probationary pilot officer. Working his way up through the officer ranks, with various deployments and aircraft, he was eventually promoted to squadron leader in December 1938. With the urgent need for wartime leaders, Phil Hunter took command of No. 254 Squadron until early in 1940 when he was commissioned to take command of 264 Squadron, flying Boulton Paul Defiants. His regular air gunner was Aircraftman Frederick Harry King and they formed a formidable team, particularly during the evacuation of Dunkirk when they were operating along the Dutch coast and along the French beaches, shooting down enemy aircraft. Their victories during the last two weeks of May 1940 alone comprised 9 kills, 1 shared and another possibly destroyed. However, 264 Squadron had suffered heavy losses during the Dunkirk evacuation. In August 1940, there was an urgent demand for aircraft to defend Britain's airspace and 264 Squadron was deployed to RAF Hornchurch is Essex. Between 24th and 28th August, the Squadron lost 9 aircraft and crews. Sadly the Defiant of Phil Hunter and gunner Sgt F. King, N1535 PS-A was lost over the English Channel, last seen chasing an enemy bomber away from the English coast. They were reported killed in action. Sqn Ldr Philip Hunter was 27 years old.
Designed to meet a British Air Ministry requirement for a two-seat fighter with power-operated gun turret, the P.82 Defiant was first flown August 11th, 1937. At the time, it was thought that turret-equipped fighters would be necessary to engage large bomber formations, enabling the pilot to maneuver into the target's blind spot while the gunner pressed home the attack. Unfortunately though, it was soon discovered that the additional weight and drag of the turret inhibited the Defiant's ability to out-maneuver enemy fighter escorts and the design was re-tasked with night-fighter and air-sea-rescue roles. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Oxford Diecast "Oxford Aviation" range presents affordable, ready made diecast models of military aircraft.
Oxford Diecast "Oxford Aviation" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal and plastic construction.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Permanently retracted landing gear.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Fixed, non-spinning plastic propellers.
- No pilot figures.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
