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History: Although the Wirraway (an Aboriginal word meaning "Challenger") was designated as the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) advanced trainer during World War Two, its usefulness as a makeshift frontline fighter was secured on 26 December 1942 when a converted example shot down a Japanese navy A6M 'Zero-Sen' fighter. Wirraways saw convoy duty from Darwin, in Malaya, New Britain and New Guinea until mid-1943.

Manufactured under license by the newly-formed Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC), the Wirraway was a modified North American BC-1 with a three-bladed propeller, two fixed .303-inch machine guns and a third in the rear cockpit, and bomb rack for up to 500 pounds of ordnance.

A total of 755 Wirraways were delivered through 1946. As purpose-built fighters came on line, the plane reverted back to its advanced trainer role for both the Air Force and Navy. The trainer remained in service with the RAAF until 1959 and there are at least six Wirraways flying in Australia today.

Nicknames: Pilot-Maker

Specifications:
        Engine: One CAC-built 600-hp Pratt & Whitney R-1340-47 Wasp radial engine.
        Weight: Empty 3,980 lbs., Max Takeoff 6,595 lbs.
        Wing Span: 43ft. 0in.
        Length: 27ft. 10in.
        Height: 8ft. 8.75in.
        Performance:
            Maximum Speed: 220 mph
            Ceiling: 23,000 ft.
            Range: 720 miles
        Armament:
            Two forward-firing 7.7-mm (0.303-inch) Vickers Mk V machine guns, plus one more in rear cockpit;
            Up to 1,000 pounds of bombs

Number Built: 755

Number Still Airworthy: Six

Links:
Classic Wings magazine: "Wirraway: The Survivors"
CNAPG Wirraway Page

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