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  • 1930-1939
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  • 1950-1959

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

Flying Officer Charles "Dolf" Blamey Plane Crash
Display Date
03 Sep 1937

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.

Flying Wirraway
03 Sep 1937

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.

Video & Images

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Flying Wirraway
Introduction of the NA-16 Wirraway Aircraft

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

Hudsons over Singapore
Display Date
09 Oct 1947

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.

A Sikorsky S-51 Dragonfly on the hardstand preparing to take off
09 Oct 1947

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.

Video & Images

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A Sikorsky S-51 Dragonfly on the hardstand preparing to take off
Introduction of helicopters into the Air Force

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 

Sergeant Hale with his Meteor 'Halestorm'
Display Date
30 Aug 1954

Introduction of the Sabre Aircraft

Rollout of the Sabre aircraft from the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation.

Official function to rollout of the Sabre aircraft from the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation
30 Aug 1954

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.

Video & Images

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Official function to rollout of the Sabre aircraft from the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation
Official function to rollout of the Sabre aircraft from the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation
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