Boulton Paul Defiant

The Defiant was first used in the day fighting role, being involved in the battles at Dunkirk and the Battle of Britain. Designed as a Bomber destroyer, it did not fare well once forced into fighter to fighter combat. Later used for night-fighting, the Defiant became one of the more successful aircraft to operate in this role, equipping over 13 Squadrons. In the latter half of the war target towing duties were found to be an ideal use for the Defiant airframe.

Over a thousand Defiants were built with only one known complete survivor on public display at the RAF Museum, Hendon, UK.

The BPA decided that there ought to be a Defiant on display at its home of Wolverhampton. To this end, a replica of L7005, a Battle of Britain example, has been built as shown below.

Pictures from the open day in October 2000

The replica Defiant under construction

Pictures from the open day on 1st April 2001

As can be seen in the photographs, the fairings fore and aft of the turret are now in place. These are retractable and operate pneumatically via an external air-line. The main undercarriage legs and wheels have been positioned and work continues on the outer wings and wing tips. A spinner is being made by modifying that from an Avro Shackleton.

Pictures from the open day on 7th April 2002

As this webpage was being created the primer was already being applied.
It is planned to unveil the Defiant in the markings of L7005 on September 15th 2002.

Pictures from the open day on 15th September 2002

The Defiant on September 15th 2002.

Pictures from the open day on 6th April 2003

"Dizzy" Seales visits the BPA on 6th April 2003