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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1940-1949
Air Force Nursing service established
Formation of the Women's Auxiliary Australian Air Force
Bombing of Darwin
Australia's first Indigenous fighter pilot
Introduction of helicopters to Air Force
Introduction of helicopters into the Air Force
The Air Force entered the helicopter age when its first rotary wing aircraft, a Sikorsky S-51 Dragonfly, was test-flown.
Introduction of helicopters into the Air Force
The Air Force entered the helicopter age when its first rotary wing aircraft, a Sikorsky S-51 Dragonfly, was test-flown at Laverton RAAF, Victoria. Citizen Air Force squadrons based in Sydney and Brisbane operated the helicopters.
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1950-1959
War in Korea
Air Force introduces the Women’s Royal Australian Air Force replacing the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force
Introduction of the Sabre
RAAF Roundel adopted
End of the biplane era
RAAF's first C-130 Hercules
Introduction of the Sabre Aircraft
Rollout of the Sabre aircraft from the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation.
Introduction of the Sabre Aircraft
The first version of the F-86 Sabre produced by Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation, the CA-27 Sabre 30, was handed over to the Air Force at a formal ceremony at Laverton. It was Australia’s first swept-wing aircraft, the first with powered flight controls, and the first capable of supersonic speed.
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