The Warrigal I and II, designed by Squadron Leader Lawrence James Wackett, were aircraft developed by the Experimental Section of the Royal Australian Air Force in Randwick, New South Wales, during the late 1920s.
These biplanes, with a single engine and two seats, were constructed using both wood and metal.
The Warrigal I is notable for being the first aircraft designed and constructed in Australia to fulfil an official RAAF specification.
Designed to meet Air Board specification AC34, the Warrigal I was envisioned as an advanced trainer to replace the aging RAAF Avro 504K fleet.
It was also outfitted for training in various disciplines, including air combat, bombing, wireless operations, aerial photography, and reconnaissance.
The mock-up of the aircraft was completed in February 1926, and construction commenced shortly thereafter, with an anticipated completion time of about six months.
However, the project experienced delays until mid-September 1928, as resources were diverted to the Widgeon II and spare parts for RAAF No. 1 Air Depot.
An additional delay of two months occurred when it was discovered that the centre of gravity did not align with the original design, necessitating the relocation of some equipment to adjust the balance.
Wackett conducted the inaugural flight of the Warrigal I on December 4, 1928, at RAAF Richmond.
Subsequently, the No. 1 Flying Training School undertook comprehensive trials to assess its performance in various capacities.
The aircraft fell short of the designer’s performance benchmarks.
Although it met several of the AC34 specifications, the Warrigal I exhibited handling issues that rendered it unsuitable for training purposes.
Wackett expressed criticism of the trial’s final report for its absence of systematic observation and measurement.
He remained optimistic that the forthcoming Warrigal II model would rectify the identified problems.
The Warrigal II, which was intended to meet an RAAF specification for an Army cooperation aircraft to supplant the obsolete DH.9s, incorporated a more robust, heavier 450 hp (340 kW) Jaguar engine and featured a shortened nose to maintain the correct balance.
Specifications
Crew
1
Capacity
1
Length
25 ft 9 in (7.85 m)
Upper wingspan
36 ft 6.75 in (11.1443 m)
Height
9 ft 11.5 in (3.035 m) to tip of propeller
Wing area
377 sq ft (35.0 m2)
Empty weight
2,148 lb (974 kg)
Gross weight
3,429 lb (1,555 kg)
Fuel capacity
40 gallons
Powerplant
1 × Armstrong Siddeley Lynx,
Seven-cylinder radial air-cooled engine,
200 hp (150 kW)
Propellers
2-bladed wooden,
8 ft 4 in (2.54 m) diameter
Performance
Maximum speed
97 mph (156 km/h, 84 kn) at sea level
Endurance
3 hours
Service ceiling
9,000 ft (2,700 m)
Armament
Guns
The aircraft is equipped with a fixed Vickers 0.303″ machine gun that fires through the propeller arc, fed by a 600-round magazine.
Additionally, there is a Scarff-ring mounted Lewis 0.303″ machine gun in the rear cockpit, accompanied by two spare magazines, each holding 97 rounds, stored in the top decking of the rear fuselage.
Bombs
Provision for four 20-pound bombs or one 112-pound bomb for training purposes.
A prone bomb sighting position was included in the rear cockpit.
Sources Aircraft Pioneer-Lawrence James Wackett. Tiger Moth CT-4 Wackett & Winjeel in Australian Service-Stewart Wilson. Aircraft and Markings of the R.A.A.F. 1939-45-Geoffrey Pentland. Military Aircraft of Australia-Stewart Wilson. Aircraft of the RAAF 1921-1971-Geoffrey Pentland & Peter Malone. Aircraft of the RAAF 1921 – 1978-Geoffrey Pentland & Peter Malone. Aircraft of The Royal Australian Air Force-Air Force History Branch. Understanding RAAF Aircraft Colours-Peter Malone & Gary Byk. Australia’s Military Aircraft-Ross Gillett. RAAF Camouflage & Markings 1939 – 1945 Volume 1-Geoffrey Pentland. RAAF Camouflage & Markings 1939 – 1945 Volume 2-Geoffrey Pentland. Wirraway, Boomerang and CA-15 in Australian Service-Stewart Wilson. Australian Military Aircraft-David Coles. Australian-built Aircraft and the Industry-Keith R Meggs.
