Summary

Metal wing rib with slotted leading edge believed to be from the Wackett Warrigal II biplane built at the RAAF Experimental Section, Randwick, NSW in 1926-1928. This machine was intended as an advanced trainer for use in bombing, gunnery and photography tuition. The prototype Warrigal I first flew on 4 December 1928 at Richmond, NSW piloted by Squadron Leader Lawrence Wackett, the designer and Commanding Officer of the RAAF Experimental Section. An improved Warrigal II was flown in 1930 shortly before the Experimental Section was closed down. The Warrigal II was flown on test and trials work at Point Cook but was never adopted for service and was eventually passed to the Melbourne Technical College in about 1944. It is believed that this is the rib presented to the Museum in 1961 by Sir Lawrence Wackett. This rib was described at the time of donation as being from an earlier Wackett Widgeon also designed at Randwick but this machine lacks the leading edge Handley Page type slot fitted to this rib.

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