A highly detailed 1:72 scale diecast representation of a Boulton Paul Defiant Mk I operated by the Royal Air Force's Polish No. 307 Squadron during the Second World War. Released as part of the Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series, AA39303 depicts Defiant N3437 while serving at RAF Kirton-in-Lindsey, England, during 1940.
No. 307 Squadron was formed in August 1940 through an agreement between the British and Polish governments. Staffed largely by Polish airmen who had escaped occupied Europe, the unit became the only Polish squadron to specialise initially in night-fighter operations alongside the Royal Air Force.
Flying from RAF Kirton-in-Lindsey in Lincolnshire, the squadron used the Defiant to defend Britain against Luftwaffe night raids. Although the aircraft had proved increasingly vulnerable as a daylight fighter, its concentrated turret armament and two-man crew gave it continued value in the night-fighter role.
Aircraft N3437 is reproduced in the standard RAF camouflage of the period, with brown and green upper surfaces, contrasting undersides, prominent national roundels and the individual squadron code “EW-O” applied along the fuselage. The model also recreates the Defiant's most recognisable feature, its rotating four-gun dorsal turret.
Designed to meet an Air Ministry requirement for a two-seat turret fighter, the Boulton Paul Defiant first flew in 1937. Rather than carrying fixed forward-firing guns, its armament was concentrated in a power-operated turret behind the pilot. The concept was intended to allow the aircraft to attack bombers from below or alongside while the pilot concentrated on positioning the aircraft.
Limited to 1,300 pieces worldwide, this release is particularly appealing to collectors of Polish RAF units, Battle of Britain aircraft and unusual British fighter designs. The model features heavyweight diecast construction, a detailed cockpit, a fully rendered rotating dorsal turret with four machine guns, positionable turret fairings, robust removable landing gear, configurable ventral aerial detailing and the original Corgi Aviation Archive presentation stand.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Corgi
Series: Aviation Archive Collector Series
Model code: AA39303
Aircraft: Boulton Paul Defiant Mk I
Serial: N3437
Tactical Markings: EW-O
Unit: Royal Air Force No. 307 (Polish) Squadron
Role: Night fighter
Campaign / Event: Defence of Britain
Theatre / Base: RAF Kirton-in-Lindsey, England
Date/Period: 1940
Operator / Country: Royal Air Force / United Kingdom
Scale: 1:72
Limited Edition Size: 1,300 pieces worldwide
Material: Heavyweight diecast metal with quality sub-components
Special Features: Limited edition release, authentic RAF No. 307 Polish Squadron EW-O markings, period RAF camouflage, detailed cockpit, rotating dorsal turret with four machine guns, positionable turret fairings, removable landing gear, configurable ventral aerial and original presentation display stand
Model Dimensions
Length: 5.75" or 14.6 cm
Width (Wingspan): 6.5" or 16.5 cm