| Boomerang | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Boomerang from No. 5 Squadron RAAF | |
| General information | |
| Type | Fighter aircraft |
| National origin | Australia/United States |
| Manufacturer | Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation |
| Designer | |
| Status | Retired |
| Primary user | Royal Australian Air Force |
| Number built | 250[1] |
| History | |
| Manufactured | 1942–1945 |
| Introduction date | 1943 |
| First flight | 29 May 1942 |
The CAC Boomerang is a fighter aircraft designed and manufactured in Australia by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation between 1942 and 1945. Approved for production shortly following the Empire of Japan's entry into the Second World War, the Boomerang was rapidly designed as to meet the urgent demands for fighter aircraft to equip the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). It was the first combat aircraft designed and constructed in Australia.[2]
Different variants of the Boomerang were manufactured under a series of corresponding production contract numbers CA-12, CA-13, CA-14 and CA-19, the aircraft supplied under each subsequent contract would incorporate various modifications, typically aimed at improving the aircraft's performance. The Boomerang was handicapped by the available engine variant, which gave low power at altitude and resulted in the aircraft proving to be slower than contemporary fighter aircraft. The Boomerang rarely engaged in aerial combat. During early wartime operations, the Boomerang was mainly dispatched to equip home-based squadrons, freeing up other fighters for use overseas. In later service, the Boomerang would commonly be used for ground support duties, cooperating with Allied army units, in addition to secondary roles such as aerial reconnaissance and air sea rescue.