CAC Wirraway

CAC Wirraway

Wirraway from 251 Squadron RAAF in Feb 1940 John Thomas Harrison photo
Navy photo
History
Type	single wing monoplane
Role	Trainer / general purpose fighter
Designer	based on US NA 16
Manufacturer	Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation
Produced	1939 - 1946
Number built	755
Primary users	RAAF; RAN (17)
In service	1939
Out of service	1959

Remarks

With war likely, in June 1939 the RAAF recommended an expansion to 32 Squadrons, with nine to be equipped with Wirraways. Deliveries began in July 1939. In addition to their planned trainer role, Wirraways also served with front line units as emergency fighters, although only one Japanese aircraft was destroyed by a Wirraway. Others served as ground attack aircraft supporting Australian units in New Guinea. Flown by 9 RAAF Squadrons, and two RAN Squadrons

Post war the Wirraway continued to serve as a trainer for the Army and 17 were acquired by the Navy, who retired their aircraft in 1957. The Air Force retained theirs a little longer until it was replaced by the CAC Winjeel.

General characteristics

• Crew: Two - Pilot, Instructor (or gunner/bomb aimer)
• Length: 8.48 m
• Wingspan: 13.11 m
• Height: 2.66 m
• Empty weight: 1,910 kg
• Max takeoff weight: 2,991 kg
• Powerplant: 1 x Pratt & Whitney R1340 radial engine 600 hp.
• Maximum speed: 354 km/h
• Range: 1,158 km
• Service ceiling:7,010 m
• Armament
• Guns: 2 x .303 Vickers machine guns
• Bombs: 2 x 500 lb and 2 x 250 lb bombs

Crew members

No. 3 Service Flight Training School

• † Roy Thomas Aston Wallis 10 Feb - 28 May 1941

Ground Crew

No. 25 (City of Perth) Squadron RAAF

• Edward Arthur Ross 24 Jul 1941 - 22 Oct 1941