by Steve Mackenzie

A20-11 Photo from State Library of New South Wales.

Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC) built a total of 755 Wirraways (with another 15 cancelled postwar) up to 1946. This does not include the two pattern airframes A20-1 and 2 built in the USA which were not true Wirraways. The initial batch of airframes were delivered in a Nat Metal and Aluminium doped colour scheme but construction quickly switched to camouflaged airframes, with the initial ones being retrospectively given camouflage.

I don't intend to give a detailed history of any particular airframe or their operational use (hopefully Derek Buckmaster is getting closer to giving us the definitive history) but just present the schemes I have drawn over three issues. A basic writeup on each production aircraft is available from the ADF Serials website at 'http://www.adf-serials.com/raaf2/2a20'.

A20-11, CAC Wirraway, taking off, LH side front Image:RAAF Official. Here there is a rear firing gun mounted for which there was provision in the design

Profile of A20-11 in Nat Metal and Aluminium dope with 'A' type roundels in all six positions (note no fin flash at this early stage). The airframe is fully armed with 2 forward firing and one rear gun. To be noted is the corrugated vertical fin on these CA-1 production airframes. Serials in Black including under both wings (omitted for clarity).

A20-21 showing both sides while with 21 Sqn from Feb 1940. Photos RAAF Official.

A20-21, with CFS Camden wearing the yellow cowl ordered in Air Board signal T.778 (30-12-41). Also note the 21 squadron letter 'R' has been painted over with the aircraft serial '21' in 48-inch yellow numerals, but still no fin flash (via Andrew Carter).

Profile of A20-21 in Foliage Green/ Earth Brown with Aluminium doped lower sufaces with 'B' type roundels in four positions, 'A' type under wing (note no fin flash at this early stage). The airframe is fully armed with 2 forward firing and one rear gun. To be noted is the corrugated vertical fin on these CA-1 production airframes. Fuselage serials and code 'R' in Med Sea Grey. Black serials under both wings (omitted for clarity).

A20-37 from 25 Sqn in Perth. Image AWMHA P012556

Profile of A20-37 in Foliage Green/ Earth Brown with Aluminium doped lower sufaces with 'A' type roundels in four positions, 'B' type above wings (note no fin flash at this early stage). The airframe is armed with 2 forward firing guns. To be noted is the corrugated vertical fin on these CA-1 production airframes. Fuselage serials and code 'V' in Med Sea Grey. Black serials under both wings (omitted for clarity).

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