The Boulton Paul Defiant, despite its poor performance during daylight engagements, was a much better night fighter. It was faster, able to catch the bombers and its configuration of four machine guns in a turret could (much like German night fighters in 1943–1945 with Schräge Musik) engage the unsuspecting German bomber from beneath. Attacks from below offered a larger target, compared to attacking tail-on, as well as a better chance of not being seen by the bomber (so less chance of evasion), as well as greater likelihood of detonating its bombload. In subsequent months a steady number of German bombers would fall to night fighters.
The Boulton Paul Defiant , despite its poor performance during daylight engagements , was a much better night fighter . It was faster , able to catch the bombers and its configuration of four machine guns in a turret could ( much like German night fighters in 1943–1945 with Schräge Musik ) engage the unsuspecting German bomber from beneath . Attacks from below offered a larger target , compared to attacking tail - on , as well as a better chance of not being seen by the bomber ( so less chance of evasion ) , as well as greater likelihood of detonating its bombload . In subsequent months a steady number of German bombers would fall to night fighters .
How could aircraft engage bombers when fitted with a turret?
How could aircraft engage bombers when fitted with a turret ?
engage the unsuspecting German bomber from beneath
engage the unsuspecting German bomber from beneath