Australia's CAC Boomerang fighter1
CAC Boomerang fighter:
CAC Boomerang fighter:
CAC Boomerang fighter:
CAC Boomerang fighter:
Design
CAC developed the Boomerang as an answer to the possibility of a Japanese invasion of Australia.1 Development was rushed to get it produced as quickly as possible and within five months it was designed, built, and flown.1
However, the Boomerang didn't see service until March 1943, by which time P-40 Kittyhawks and Supermarine Spitfires were being delivered.1
It took many of it's components features from the Wirraway.1
Prototype
The first CA-12 flew on May 19, 1942.1
Production
Production finished with the last deliver in February 1945.1
- CA-12: 1051
- CA-13: 951
- CA-19: 491
- CA-14/A: 11
- Total: 2501
Variants
- CA-14/A: Had turbo charged engine.1
Usage
Operational Training Units first received the CA-12s in October 1942.1
Five Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) squadrons were equipped with the Boomerang.1
Army Cooperation
The Boomerang's maneuverability and armament made it an ideal close support aircraft.1 It was able to show excellent service in New Guinea and Bougainville.1
| CAC Boomerang1 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Fighter1 Army cooperation1 |
| Crew | 11 |
| Engine (Type) | Pratt & Whitney R-1830-S3C4 Twin Wasp1 |
| Cylinders | Radial 141 |
| Cooling | |
| HP | 1,2001 |
| Propeller blades | 31 |
| Dimensions | |
| Span | 36'1 10.97 m1 |
| Length | 25' 6"1 7.77 m1 |
| Height | 10' 6"1 3.2 m1 |
| Wing area | |
| Weight | |
| Empty | 5,373 lb1 2,437 kg1 |
| Loaded | 7,699 lb1 3,492 kg1 |
| Maximum load | 8,249 lb1 3,742 kg1 |
| Performance | |
| Speed @ 15,500' / 4,725 m |
305 mph1 491 kph1 |
| Cruising speed | 190 mph1 305 kph1 |
| Climb | 2,150'/minute1 655 m/minute1 |
| Service ceiling | 34,000'1 10,363 m1 |
| Range | 930 miles1 1,496 km1 |
| Maximum range with drop tanks | 1,600 miles1 2,575 km1 |
| Armament | |
| Wings | 2: 20 mm1 4: 0.303" MG1 |
| Smoke bombs under wings | 4: 20 lb1 4: 9 kg1 |
Sources:
- Aircraft of WWII, Stewart Wilson, 1998
