The origins of the Royal Australian Air Force extend back to the early days of aviation, and we have made important contributions to defence and peacekeeping initiatives across the globe ever since.
1930-1939
Formation of the Wireless section
Proclamation of Cape Bruce, Antarctica
Introduction of the Wirraway aircraft
PM announces expeditionary forces to assist RAF
Introduction of the NA-16-1A aircraft
Introduction of the NA-16-1A aircraft and its maiden flight in Australia at Laverton. Although only an advanced trainer, orders for the Wirraway eventually ran to 755 aircraft, making this a key element in the development of Australian industry.
Introduction of the NA-16-1A aircraft
The NA-16-1A, undertook its maiden flight in Australia at Laverton. The aircraft was received in Australia in early August, to serve as a template for local production under licence. It was actually the second aircraft, often known as the NA-33, which went into production with the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation as the Wirraway (an Aboriginal word meaning "challenge"). Although only an advanced trainer, orders for the Wirraway eventually ran to 755 aircraft, making this a key element in the development of Australian industry. The locally-produced model flew for the first time on 27 March 1939, and when war began the RAAF had its first seven on strength.
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