Boomerang

The CAC Boomerang was an Australian‑designed fighter‑trainer that emerged from the urgent wartime need for a locally produced fighter after the loss of overseas deliveries in early 1942. Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation, founded by Sir Lawrence Wackett, began development in May 1942 and rolled out the prototype in May 1943. Built at Fishermans Bend, the Boomerang entered service with the Royal Australian Air Force in 1944, where it filled the roles of ground‑attack, reconnaissance and short‑range air defence until newer types arrived.

Key features included a compact, all‑metal airframe with a low‑wing configuration, powered by a 1,200‑hp Pratt & Whitney R‑1830 Twin Wasp radial engine. Its armament typically comprised two 20 mm Hispano cannons and four .303 in machine guns, giving it considerable firepower for its size. The aircraft’s generous wing area provided excellent maneuverability at low to moderate speeds, while its robust construction allowed operation from rough forward airfields.

The Boomerang’s significance lies in demonstrating Australia’s capacity to design and manufacture a combat‑ready aircraft under wartime pressure, fostering a skilled domestic aerospace industry that later produced the iconic Avon and Sabre projects. Its legacy endures as a symbol of Australian ingenuity and self‑reliance in aviation.

Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation

Classification

Production & History

Design & Classification