The CAC CA-25 Winjeel is an Australian-designed and manufactured three-seat training aircraft.
Entering service with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in 1955 as a basic to advanced trainer, it served in this role until 1975.
Later, it was used in the Forward Air Control (FAC) role for target marking until 1994, after which it was retired from RAAF service.
The first aircraft flew in February 1955, and deliveries began that September.
The first Winjeel entered service with No. 1 Basic Flying Training School (1 BFTS) at Uranquinty, near Wagga Wagga, New South Wales.
The last aircraft was delivered in August 1957.
For most of its service life, the Winjeel was used as a basic trainer at RAAF Base Point Cook in Victoria, after 1 BFTS was transferred there in 1958.
The Winjeel remained in service with the RAAF as a basic trainer until 1968, when the Macchi MB-326 replaced it in this role as part of the RAAF’s adoption of an “all through” jet training concept.
The failure of this concept ultimately ensured that the Winjeel was retained in the training role until 1975, when it was replaced by the New Zealand-built PAC CT/4A Airtrainer.
After this, a few Winjeel’s were used in the Forward Air Control (FAC) role.
Initially operated by No. 4 Flight, they were equipped with smoke bombs for target marking.
By 1994 there were 4 in service with No. 76 Squadron based at RAAF Base Williamstown, but later that year they were replaced by the Pilatus PC-9 and subsequently retired.
Examples of the aircraft remain in flying condition in private ownership as well as museum displays around Australia.
Specifications
Crew
2
Capacity
Provision for third seat
Length
28 ft 0 1⁄2 in (8.547 m)
Wingspan
38 ft 7 1⁄2 in (11.773 m)
Height
9 ft 1 in (2.77 m)
Wing area
249 sq ft (23.1 m2)
Aspect ratio
6.0:1
Airfoil
Root
NACA 23015
Tip
NACA 23010
Empty weight
3,289 lb (1,492 kg)
Gross weight
4,265 lb (1,935 kg)
Fuel capacity
69 imp gal (83 US gal; 310 L) normal
Powerplant
1 × Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN-2 Wasp Junior nine-cylinder radial engine, 445 hp (332 kW)
Performance
Maximum speed
186 mph (299 km/h, 162 kn)
Cruise speed
165 mph (266 km/h, 143 kn) at 8,500 ft (2,600 m)
Endurance
3.5 hr at 158 mph (254 km/h; 137 kn) and 5,000 ft (1,500 m)
