- Yes
- No
History
Spoiler
The Wirraway is a well known Australian redesign of the North American Na-16. Initially produced as a trainer, the type was eventually redesigned into a dive-bomber for the RAAF. This redesign was designated the Ca-16 Wirraway Mk III. The noticeable differences between the Mk III and earlier Mk I or Mk II aircraft was the addition of dive-breaks above the wing flaps and the capability to carry extra bombs. Earlier models could only carry 1 500lb bomb or two 250lb bombs, the Mk III could however carry a loadout of 2 500lb + 2 250lb bombs, or 4 250lb bombs. Upgraded wings were also made to put onto earlier Mk I and Mk II aircraft, these were then designated Ca-10A. The original Ca-10 was a planned dive-bomber variant which never came to exist. Most of these aircraft served as trainers post-war and several are still in flying condition today.
It’s worth noting that the version currently in the game seems to be a mix of the earlier models (Mk I and Mk II are basically identical) and the Mk III, with the bomb load of the Mk III but otherwise all features of the Mk I and Mk II.
Performance
Spoiler
- Engine
Pratt & Whitney R-1340
600 horsepower (448 kW)
Nine cylinder, supercharged, air cooled, geared radial engine
- Propeller
Hamilton Standard Constant Speed
All metal, three blade
- Fuel
Aviation Gasoline 100 Octane Wing Tank Capacity: 97 Imperial Gallons 441 Litres 166 U.S. Gallons Reserve Tank Capacity (2): 9 Imperial Gallons 41 Litres 11 U.S. Gallons
- Dimensions
Wingspan: 43’ 0" 13.11 m Length: 27’ 10 " 8.48 m Wing Area: 255.75 sq. ft 23.76 sq. m Height: 8’ 8 3/4" 2.66 m
- Weights
Empty: 3,922 lb 1,811 kg Maximum Takeoff weight: 6,595 lb 2,991 kg
- Armament
Two forward facing, fuselage mounted .303 in. Vickers machine guns synchronized to fire through the propeller. Provision for two 500 lb (227 kg) bombs plus two 250 lb (113 kg) bombs.
- Maximum Speed
191 knots 220 mph 354 km/h Cruise Speed: 135 knots 155 mph 250 km/h
In game
Spoiler
The Ca-16 would make a great CAS aircraft with it’s additional air-break capabilities. Currently the Wirraway in the game has the same bomb load-out, making the Ca-16 less desirable, however if the Wirraway in game has given it’s correct Mk I/II loadout and a b.r. drop, then the Mk III would find a suitable place a around b.r. 2.0, or alternatively, the in-game version should become the Mk III with dive-breaks added. The Great Britain tree probably doesn’t need another Wirraway, but perhaps the dive-bomber capabilities would be beneficial. Another option is an other-commonwealth tree, incorporating Australia, Canada, India, South Africa, New Zealand etc.
It would be possible to split the Wirraway up into up to 4 models, the Mk I, Mk II, Mk III and Ca-10A, however I believe that only the Mk I/II and Mk III matter.
sources
Spoiler
This page in particular has a PDF of Mk III specifications
http://dbdesignbureau.buckmasterfamily.id.au/tech_info_cac_wirraway.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CAC_Wirraway#cite_note-prof_12-18
