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CAC Boomerang

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CAC Boomerang
CAC Boomerang.jpg
CAC Boomerang 1.jpg
History
Type Single engine monoplane
Role fighter aircraft / ground support
Designer Fred David
Manufacturer Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation
Produced 1942 - 45
Number built 250
Primary users RAAF
In service 15 Jul 1942
Out of service August 1945


Remarks

Australian designed and built after both Britain and the US were unable to produce additional aircraft for other nations as a result of their need to produce for their own forces. With a decision made to use only those aircraft parts and engines already under manufacture in Australia, the resulting design had a stubby appearance. The first aircraft was provided to a training unit on 19 Oct 1942, and on 10 Apr 1943 the first squadron to be equipped with them (No. 83 Squadron) took delivery.


While there is no evidence of a Boomerang ever fulfilling its role of shooting down a Japanese aircraft, it proved to be a very effective light ground attack aircraft, working closely with troops fighting in New Guinea and the islands.


General characteristics

  • Crew: One
  • Length: 7.77 m
  • Wingspan: 10.97 m
  • Height: 2.92 m
  • Empty weight: 2,437 kg
  • Max takeoff weight: 3,492 kg
  • Powerplant: 1 x Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp, 890 kw
  • Maximum speed: 491 km/h at 4,724 m
  • Range: 1,500 km
  • Service ceiling: 8,800 m
  • Armament
  • Guns: 2× 20 mm Hispano or CAC cannons; 4× 0.303 in (7.7 mm) Browning machine guns
  • Bombs: provision for a bomb, when the large ventral drop tank was not carried

Groundcrew

No. 4 Aircraft Depot RAAF

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