Established Port Melbourne, 1936, as basis of an independent
Australian industry. Took overTugan Aircraft (q.v.)
that year and chief designer Wg. Cdr. L. J. Wackett. First
product was North American NA-33, built under license
as CA-1 to CA-16 Wirraway for RAAF, starting in July 1939.
Followed by Wackett-designed prototype CA-2 Wackett
two-seat trainer, production version designated CA-6.
Company also produced the only Australian-designed
fighter to serve in Second World War, the CA-12,13,14,
19 Boomerang.
Postwar products included the prototype CA-22 and production
CA-25 Winjeel trainerforthe RAAF,
"Boomerang"
the CA-28 Ceres
agricultural aircraft, and over 200 North American Mustangs
built as CA-17 and 18. First jet aircraft were North
American F-86F Sabres, license-built and modified to use
the Rolls-Royce Avon turbojet, thought by many to be the
best Sabre variant. Recently CAC has participated with Government
Aircraft Factories (q.v.) in license-production of
Dassault Mirage Ill-O (CA-29) and Ill-D, as well as Aermacchi
M.B. 326H jet trainers. Became a public company in
1975 and contracted to build 56 Bell 206B JetRanger II
helicopters for Australian Army, all delivered by early January
1978. Other contracts included workfor Boeing, Sikorsky,
Pratt & Whitney and Hawker Siddeley (q.v.). Finally
specialized in the manufacture and repair of gas turbine
engines. Became part of Hawker de Havilland 1985.
