Special Hobby 72503 Defiant NF Mk.II 'Radar Fighter' 1/72 – Plastic Model Kit

The Special Hobby 72503 Defiant NF Mk.II 'Radar Fighter' model in 1/72 scale is a unique proposition for aviation enthusiasts of the World War II era who wish to expand their collection with an unusual Royal Air Force night fighter. This set represents the Boulton Paul Defiant NF Mk.II – an aircraft that played an important role in night air combat over Britain during 1940–1942.

The Defiant was characterized by its unique design – instead of traditional nose-mounted armament, it was equipped with a rotating gun turret behind the pilot’s cockpit. In this version – the NF Mk.II – an AI Mk.IV onboard radar was installed, making the machine a remarkably modern interceptor for its time, intended for night operations. The RAF, or the Royal Air Force of Great Britain, used the Defiant mainly in specialized night fighter squadrons, effectively countering Luftwaffe night raids during the most intense air battles.

• Scale: 1/72 – optimal compromise between detail and ease of displaying the collection
• Country of service: United Kingdom (RAF)
• Period of use: World War II (1940–1942)
• Design: Unconventional gun turret and early AI Mk.IV radar
• Category: plastic model kit
• Material: top quality plastic
• Decals allow for several RAF paint schemes, with an emphasis on night camouflage patterns
• Detailed cockpit, accurately reproduced turret, and finely engraved fuselage panel lines
• The kit does not contain resin or photo-etched parts, making the build accessible even for less experienced modelers

The Special Hobby 72503 Defiant NF Mk.II model is especially recommended for intermediate modelers who are looking for interesting and less common aircraft for their collection. It’s an excellent choice for fans of aviation history, British aircraft, and specialized night fighters used during World War II.

Assembly difficulty level: 3/5 – the model requires some skill but will not pose problems for those experienced in building kits in this scale.

By choosing the Defiant NF Mk.II 'Radar Fighter' kit from Special Hobby, you are investing in an authentic, precisely detailed model of a historic aircraft with a unique combat role – a must-have for any World War II aviation enthusiast’s collection.