CAC Wirraway
From Our Contribution
 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 |
Contents
Remarks
The CAC NA-16 Wirraway (an Aboriginal word meaning "challenge") was a training and general purpose military aircraft manufactured in Australia by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC) between 1939 and 1946. It was an Australian development of the North American NA-16 training aircraft, and 755 aircraft were built. The Wirraway has been credited as being the foundation of Australian aircraft manufacturing.
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
Air Crew
No. 3 Service Flying Training School RAAF
- † 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
No. 2 Service Flying Training School RAAF
- Alfred Ensor Hand 1 Mar - 6 Apr 1942