Boulton Paul Defiant T.T. III Fairey Battle
The Anti-Aircraft and Coast Defence Wing of the School of Artillery came into being at Karachi in July 1940 and was renamed as the Anti-Aircraft School in February 1942. As increasing numbers of heavy and light anti-aircraft regiments were being raised, the A.A. School took on charge some light training aircraft, including Tiger Moths, from civilian flying clubs for anti-aircraft co-operation flying. By the end of 1942, Lysanders and Wapitis were made available to No. 22 A.A. Flight at Karachi and Cochin and more motley types were forthcoming.
In 1944 a small number of Defiant T.T. III target-tugs were received, these aircraft being conversions of the Defiant I night fighter suitably modified for target towing duties. The Defiant turret fighter had earlier laid its claim to fame in May 1940 over Dunkirk but slower and less manoeuvrable than its single-seat contemporaries, its first line service was short lived and over 400 Defiants were eventally converted for target-towing.
Also received by the A.A. School in 1944 were a few Fairey Battles suitably equipped for drogue-towing. The Battle light day bomber had been to France in 1939 with the R.A.F’s Advanced Air Striking Force but the Squadrons were decimated during operations. Thereafter, the type was used in various training and utility roles including target towing.
The Battle was powered by a Rolls Royce Merlin II engine of 1030 h.p. and could attain a maximum speed of 233 m.p.h. (375 km/hr) with a service ceiling of 25,100 ft. (7,650 m.).
The Defiant had a 1030 h.p. Rolls Royce Merlin III engine and a maximum speed of 304 m.p.h., (490 km/hr), service ceiling of 30,350 feet (9,250 m.) and endurance of 1.78 hours.
(Image from internet)
