CAC Wirraway

CAC Wirraway Story

The CAC Wirraway, a versatile Australian aircraft, served as a trainer, emergency fighter, dive bomber, and reconnaissance plane from 1939 to 1958. Based on the North American NA-16 trainer, the Wirraway underwent modifications for Australian needs, featuring a retractable landing gear and a Pratt & Whitney R1340 Wasp radial piston engine. Approximately 755 Wirraways were produced by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation, delivering commendable service to the Royal Australian Air Force and the Royal Australian Navy.

The Wirraway's distinct appearance included low-swept wings, a circular fuselage, and a spacious cockpit for a pilot and observer. Armed with 7.7mm Vickers GO machine guns, it could also carry bombs. The aircraft came in various models, with the CA-16 being the pinnacle of its evolution, equipped with dive brakes and an increased bomb load.

Engaging in combat with Japanese forces during World War II, Wirraways operated until the arrival of Curtiss P-40 Warhawks and the development of the more powerful Boomerang fighter. Postwar, Wirraways returned to their training roles, with the Royal Australian Navy phasing them out in 1957 and the RAAF using them until 1958. The last official flight occurred on April 27, 1959, marking the end of the Wirraway's significant contribution to Australian aviation history.

Specification

Basic

Year: 1939

Status: Retired

Staff: 2

Production: 755 units

Manufacturer: Commonwealth Aircraft Company (CAC) - Australia

Roles: Ground Attack; Close Air Support (CAS); Education

Dimensions & Weight

Length: 27.82 ft (8.48 m)

Width: 43.01 ft (13.11 m)

Height: 8.73 ft (2.66 m)

Curb Weight: 1,810 kg

MTOW: 6,594 lb (2,991 kg)

Performance

Engine: 1 x Pratt & Whitney R-1340 600 hp radial piston engine.

Maximum Speed: 217 mph (350 km/h; 189 knots)

Service Limit: 22,999 ft (7,010 m; 4.36 mi)

Maximum range: 746 miles (1,200 km; 648 nautical miles)

Rate of climb: 594 m/min

Armor

Default: 2 x 7.7mm Vickers GO machine guns

Optional: 2 x 250lb OR 500lb bombs.

VARIANTS

CA-3 - Second Production Model; 60 examples produced; subtle changes yet still largely similar to CA-1 model.

CA-5 - Based on the CA-3 production model; 32 examples produced.

CA-7 - Based on the CA-3 production model; 100 examples produced.

CA-8 - Based on the CA-3 production model; 200 examples produced.

CA-9 - Based on the CA-3 production model; 188 examples produced.

CA-10A - Proposed dive bomber variant; to be fitted with revised wing assemblies containing dive brakes; never completed.

CA-16 - Final Wirraway Production Model; fitted with revised wing assemblies for larger bombloads; dive brakes installed for dive bombing; 135 examples produced.

CA-20 - Modified CA-3, CA-5, CA-7 and CA-9 production models with dive bomber wings for the Royal Australian Navy.