CAC Wirraway
Technical Information

Background
In 1936, the newly formed Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC) led a mission abroad to select a general purpose aircraft for Australian manufacture and established thier headquarters and factory at the Port of Melbourne. The mission unanimously recommended the North American NA-33, and plans were made to produce a modified version to be known as the Wirraway is an aboriginal word for challenge. On March 27, 1939 the first Wirraway took off.

Variety of Roles
A license built North American AT-6, the Wirraway was used as a Front Line Fighter, Reconnaissance, Artillery Spotting, Dive Bomber, Ground Attack, for supply drops and Training. In 1959, the last Wirraway was decomissioned from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Postwar, some Wirraways were converted into Ceres agricultural aircraft for crop spraying.

Production
A total of 755 Wirraways were built.

Technical Details
Crew  Two (pilot and gunner)
Engine  1 x 600 hp Pratt and Whitney license built Wasp nine cylinder air-cooled radial engine driving a three bladed propeller
Span  43'
Length  29'
Height  12' 3"
Maximum Speed  220 mph
Range  510 miles
Armament  (nose) 2 x .303 machine guns (rear) 1 x .303 machine gun
Bombload  2 x 250 pound bombs