Difference between revisions of "Boomerang Mk II (Great Britain)"

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{{Specs-Card|code=boomerang_mkii}}
+
{{About
 +
| about = British fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = the other version
 +
| link = Boomerang Mk I (Great Britain)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=boomerang_mkii
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''
+
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} British fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27 as a premium vehicle purchasable in-game with Golden Eagles {{ge}}, but was removed from in-game sale after the [[wt:en/news/7408-news-happy-birthday-war-thunder-en|9th Anniversary Sale]]. Buying the plane required the purchase of the [[Boomerang Mk I (Great_Britain)|Boomerang Mk I]] to unlock. It has been made available for Golden Eagles {{ge}} during the [[wt:en/news/7532-special-australia-day-en|2022]], [[wt:en/news/8069-special-australia-day-en|2023]], and [[wt:en/news/8712-special-australia-day-the-boomerang-mkii-returns-discounts-and-earn-a-koala-decal-en|2024]] "Australia Day" mini-events. This variant of the Boomerang represents a version which was designed and manufactured in Australia.
 +
 
 +
Compared to the first [[Boomerang Mk I (Great Britain)|variant]], the Boomerang Mk II has the added capability of carrying bombs for better ground attack capabilities. The plane can out-turn almost any plane, save for Japanese planes. The Boomerang Mk II is lacking in the amount of ammo for the cannons. Some good tactics are to stay low to the ground, and like with all planes, keep a good eye on where each plane is, in AB stay low and "mow the yard" anything that comes close, just prepare to turn-fight them, and take them out, be cautious with your cannon ammo, as those are your only "heavy" hitting guns. Downsides to the Boomerang is that it is rather slow when compared to other aircraft of its tier. Keep in mind that low altitude fighting is its bread and butter and can easily out-turn just about everything in arcade battles and in realistic battles.
 +
 
 +
If you are going to fight the Mk II or Mk I, do not attempt to turn-fight them unless you are flying a Japanese aircraft. Instead, Boom & Zoom or catch them when they're reloading and flying off when they are a much easier target in those situations, however, if it does manage to avoid your attacks, don't stick around for long.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
−
=== Flight Performance ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
−
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 +
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,100 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
 +
|-
 +
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 +
|-
 +
! Stock
 +
| 472 || 456 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 23.2 || 23.9 || 12.1 || 12.1 || rowspan="2" | 273
 +
|-
 +
! Upgraded
 +
| 513 || 491 || 21.4 || 22.3 || 18.3 || 14.9
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== Details ====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Features
 +
|-
 +
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 +
|-
 +
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | Limits
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
 +
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 +
|-
 +
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 487 || 445 || 225 || ~12 || ~9
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 +
|-
 +
| < 380 || < 370 || < 340 || > 323
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 +
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Armoured windscreen
 +
* 12.7 mm Steel - Armoured plate behind the pilot, with 3 mm steel plate flaps around it
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
−
''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|Hispano Mk.II (20 mm)|Browning (7.7 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
 +
* 2 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons, wing-mounted (60 rpg = 120 total)
 +
* 4 x 7.7 mm Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (1,000 rpg = 4,000 total)
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
−
''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|G.P. Mk.IV (250 lb)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 +
 
 +
* Without load
 +
* 2 x 250 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (500 lb total)
  
−
=== Defensive armament ===
+
== Usage in battles ==
−
''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available remove this subsection.''
+
''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
=== Manual Engine Control ===
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
 +
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
 +
! colspan="3" | Radiator
 +
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
 +
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 +
|-
 +
! Oil !! Water !! Type
 +
|-
 +
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Great turning speed
 +
* Premium aircraft gives a boost in silver lion and research points
 +
* Decent secondary guns, can catch enemies on fire easily with tracer bullets
 +
* Slightly increased rate of climb
 +
* Cannons have a wide variety of ammo options
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
 
  
−
== Historical part ==
+
* Low ammo count for the 20 mm cannons
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
* Rather slow compared to others
 +
* Japanese planes relying on turn ability will outmanoeuvre the Boomerang
 +
* Engine catches fire easily
 +
 
 +
== History ==
 +
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 +
The Boomerang Mk II is the second variant of the CAC Boomerang, a fighter aircraft developed by Australia's Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC). Designed to equip the RAAF after the start of the Second World War, it was Australia's first indigenous fighter aircraft. The Boomerang was very underpowered due to the limited choice of engines, meaning that it was considerably slower than its contemporaries. The aircraft saw limited active service during the Second World War in both frontline and secondary duties.
 +
 
 +
In the late 1930s, with both Nazi Germany and Japan both rapidly expanding their militaries, the Australian Air Force (RAAF) looked to acquire a new fighter aircraft to replace their obsolete squadrons of F2A Buffalos. Following the start of the war, the RAAF was hard-pressed for fighters: the UK, Australia's primary source for aircraft, was barely supplying enough aircraft for itself, while the USA dedicated almost all of its manufacturing capacity to producing aircraft for the USAAF and USN. As a result, Australia was forced to produce a new fighter indigenously.
 +
 
 +
The RAAF turned to the CAC, which had been formed in 1936 through the merger of several Australian aircraft companies. The CAC was already producing the Wirraway, a training and general-purpose aircraft, and so the CAC decided to create a new fighter based on the Wirraway as this could be done quickly and efficiently. The Wirraway's rear fuselage, tail and wings were mated to a new forward fuselage which housed a 1200 hp Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp engine. This prototype configuration first flew in May 1942 and was later ordered into service as the [[Boomerang Mk I (Great Britain)|Boomerang Mark I]] (contract number CA-12) - a total of 105 Boomerang Mk Is would be built during the war.
 +
 
 +
The CAC later developed a new variant of the Boomerang, designated the CA-13: this would be known in service as the Boomerang Mk II. The Boomerang Mk II incorporated numerous minor changes, including the switch from fabric construction to duralinium and the replacement of the hydraulic weapon actuators with mechanical ones. In total, 95 Boomerang Mk IIs were built for a total of 200 Boomerangs in total, not including prototype aircraft.
 +
 
 +
In service, the Boomerang proved to be very underpowered and much slower than most comparable Allied fighters. In fact, the Boomerang never shot down a single enemy aircraft. The Boomerang proved to be more effective as a ground attack aircraft, replacing the lighter-armed Wirraway in this role: it was frequently used to drop ordnance or strafe enemy targets, or deploy smoke bombs to mark enemy targets. The Boomerang was retired soon after the war's end; three Boomerang Mk IIs still exist today alongside five Boomerang Mk Is, including a single currently-airworthy aircraft.
 +
 
 +
{{break}}
 +
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
The CAC Boomerang was an Australian light single-seat fighter. This single-engine monoplane was based heavily on the CAC Wirraway trainer but was armed with two 20mm cannons and four 0.303 inch machine guns. The aircraft had solid handling qualities at low altitudes, but a mediocre performance at height and a poor top speed.
 +
 
 +
After the first batch of Boomerang Mk I aircraft (also known as CA-12s) was completed, a CA-13 or Mk II modification was released which incorporated some minor changes: to improve the handling of the rudders and ailerons the fabric in their construction was replaced with duralumin and a larger tailfin and rudder was developed. In addition, the wings were sheathed with plywood instead of duralumin, and the wing tips were replaced with wooden ones. The shape of the exhaust pipe was changed to the characteristic Beaufort shape. A new propeller and geared cooling fan were also fitted to boost performance, although the planned supercharger was dropped from production models due to component priority being given to Spitfires and Mustangs. Still, the Boomerang Mk II's performance was noticeably superior to that of the Mk I. 95 CA-13 Boomerang Mk.IIs were produced, with a further 49 CA-19s being manufactured with various minor modifications.
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=boomerang_mkii Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|mJO2sLI_jwU|'''The Shooting Range #19''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 00:46 discusses the CAC Boomerang.}}
  
−
== Read also ==
+
== See also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
−
''ETC.''
 
  
−
== Sources ==
+
== External links ==
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''page on the Wikipedia;''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
+
 
−
* ''other literature.''
+
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/195733-commonwealth-aircraft-corporation-boomerang-mk-i/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 +
 
 +
{{AirManufacturer Commonwealth}}
 +
{{Britain fighters}}
 +
{{Britain premium aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 16:25, 19 February 2024

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
This page is about the British fighter Boomerang Mk II (Great Britain). For the other version, see Boomerang Mk I (Great Britain).
▄Boomerang Mk II
boomerang_mkii.png
GarageImage Boomerang Mk II (Great Britain).jpg
▄Boomerang Mk II
Britain flag.png Britain
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
3.3 3.0 2.7
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
Show in game

Description

The ▄Boomerang Mk II is a premium rank II British fighter with a battle rating of 3.3 (AB), 3.0 (RB), and 2.7 (SB). It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27 as a premium vehicle purchasable in-game with Golden Eagles Ge icon.png, but was removed from in-game sale after the 9th Anniversary Sale. Buying the plane required the purchase of the Boomerang Mk I to unlock. It has been made available for Golden Eagles Ge icon.png during the 2022, 2023, and 2024 "Australia Day" mini-events. This variant of the Boomerang represents a version which was designed and manufactured in Australia.

Compared to the first variant, the Boomerang Mk II has the added capability of carrying bombs for better ground attack capabilities. The plane can out-turn almost any plane, save for Japanese planes. The Boomerang Mk II is lacking in the amount of ammo for the cannons. Some good tactics are to stay low to the ground, and like with all planes, keep a good eye on where each plane is, in AB stay low and "mow the yard" anything that comes close, just prepare to turn-fight them, and take them out, be cautious with your cannon ammo, as those are your only "heavy" hitting guns. Downsides to the Boomerang is that it is rather slow when compared to other aircraft of its tier. Keep in mind that low altitude fighting is its bread and butter and can easily out-turn just about everything in arcade battles and in realistic battles.

If you are going to fight the Mk II or Mk I, do not attempt to turn-fight them unless you are flying a Japanese aircraft. Instead, Boom & Zoom or catch them when they're reloading and flying off when they are a much easier target in those situations, however, if it does manage to avoid your attacks, don't stick around for long.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 5 100 m491 km/h
Turn time22 s
Max altitude10 356 m
EnginePratt & Whitney S3C4-G
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight4 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 5,100 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 472 456 10356 23.2 23.9 12.1 12.1 273
Upgraded 513 491 21.4 22.3 18.3 14.9

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
660 320 487 445 225 ~12 ~9
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 380 < 370 < 340 > 323

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural660 km/h
Gear320 km/h
  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Armoured windscreen
  • 12.7 mm Steel - Armoured plate behind the pilot, with 3 mm steel plate flaps around it

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB844 Sl icon.png
RB3 191 Sl icon.png
SB1 730 Sl icon.png
Crew training6 900 Sl icon.png
Experts46 000 Sl icon.png
Aces320 Ge icon.png
Research Aces500 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 50 / 170 / 240 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 130 / 130 / 130 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Mods ammo.png
bmg303_belt_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
HSBC mk.2
Mods weapon.png
bmg303_new_gun
Mods ammo.png
hispano_belt_pack
Mod arrow right 0.png
Mods gun camora mod.png
Mk.II year 1943

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 12 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannon
Ammunition120 rounds
Fire rate600 shots/min
Weapon 24 x 7.7 mm Browning machine gun
Ammunition4 000 rounds
Fire rate1 000 shots/min
Main articles: Hispano Mk.II (20 mm), Browning (7.7 mm)

The Boomerang Mk II (Great Britain) is armed with:

  • 2 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons, wing-mounted (60 rpg = 120 total)
  • 4 x 7.7 mm Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (1,000 rpg = 4,000 total)

Suspended armament

List of setups (1)
Setup 12 x G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV bomb
Main article: G.P. Mk.IV (250 lb)

The Boomerang Mk II (Great Britain) can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 2 x 250 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (500 lb total)

Usage in battles

Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Separate Controllable
2 gears 		Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Great turning speed
  • Premium aircraft gives a boost in silver lion and research points
  • Decent secondary guns, can catch enemies on fire easily with tracer bullets
  • Slightly increased rate of climb
  • Cannons have a wide variety of ammo options

Cons:

  • Low ammo count for the 20 mm cannons
  • Rather slow compared to others
  • Japanese planes relying on turn ability will outmanoeuvre the Boomerang
  • Engine catches fire easily

History

The Boomerang Mk II is the second variant of the CAC Boomerang, a fighter aircraft developed by Australia's Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC). Designed to equip the RAAF after the start of the Second World War, it was Australia's first indigenous fighter aircraft. The Boomerang was very underpowered due to the limited choice of engines, meaning that it was considerably slower than its contemporaries. The aircraft saw limited active service during the Second World War in both frontline and secondary duties.

In the late 1930s, with both Nazi Germany and Japan both rapidly expanding their militaries, the Australian Air Force (RAAF) looked to acquire a new fighter aircraft to replace their obsolete squadrons of F2A Buffalos. Following the start of the war, the RAAF was hard-pressed for fighters: the UK, Australia's primary source for aircraft, was barely supplying enough aircraft for itself, while the USA dedicated almost all of its manufacturing capacity to producing aircraft for the USAAF and USN. As a result, Australia was forced to produce a new fighter indigenously.

The RAAF turned to the CAC, which had been formed in 1936 through the merger of several Australian aircraft companies. The CAC was already producing the Wirraway, a training and general-purpose aircraft, and so the CAC decided to create a new fighter based on the Wirraway as this could be done quickly and efficiently. The Wirraway's rear fuselage, tail and wings were mated to a new forward fuselage which housed a 1200 hp Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp engine. This prototype configuration first flew in May 1942 and was later ordered into service as the Boomerang Mark I (contract number CA-12) - a total of 105 Boomerang Mk Is would be built during the war.

The CAC later developed a new variant of the Boomerang, designated the CA-13: this would be known in service as the Boomerang Mk II. The Boomerang Mk II incorporated numerous minor changes, including the switch from fabric construction to duralinium and the replacement of the hydraulic weapon actuators with mechanical ones. In total, 95 Boomerang Mk IIs were built for a total of 200 Boomerangs in total, not including prototype aircraft.

In service, the Boomerang proved to be very underpowered and much slower than most comparable Allied fighters. In fact, the Boomerang never shot down a single enemy aircraft. The Boomerang proved to be more effective as a ground attack aircraft, replacing the lighter-armed Wirraway in this role: it was frequently used to drop ordnance or strafe enemy targets, or deploy smoke bombs to mark enemy targets. The Boomerang was retired soon after the war's end; three Boomerang Mk IIs still exist today alongside five Boomerang Mk Is, including a single currently-airworthy aircraft.


Archive of the in-game description

The CAC Boomerang was an Australian light single-seat fighter. This single-engine monoplane was based heavily on the CAC Wirraway trainer but was armed with two 20mm cannons and four 0.303 inch machine guns. The aircraft had solid handling qualities at low altitudes, but a mediocre performance at height and a poor top speed.

After the first batch of Boomerang Mk I aircraft (also known as CA-12s) was completed, a CA-13 or Mk II modification was released which incorporated some minor changes: to improve the handling of the rudders and ailerons the fabric in their construction was replaced with duralumin and a larger tailfin and rudder was developed. In addition, the wings were sheathed with plywood instead of duralumin, and the wing tips were replaced with wooden ones. The shape of the exhaust pipe was changed to the characteristic Beaufort shape. A new propeller and geared cooling fan were also fitted to boost performance, although the planned supercharger was dropped from production models due to component priority being given to Spitfires and Mustangs. Still, the Boomerang Mk II's performance was noticeably superior to that of the Mk I. 95 CA-13 Boomerang Mk.IIs were produced, with a further 49 CA-19s being manufactured with various minor modifications.


Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #19 - Pages of History section at 00:46 discusses the CAC Boomerang.

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the aircraft;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links


Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC)
Attackers  ▄Wirraway
Fighters  ▄Boomerang Mk I · ▄Boomerang Mk II

Britain fighters
Fury  Fury Mk I · Fury Mk II
Nimrod  Nimrod Mk I · Nimrod Mk II
Gladiator  Gladiator Mk II · Tuck's Gladiator Mk II · Gladiator Mk IIF · Gladiator Mk IIS
Sea Gladiator  Sea Gladiator Mk I
Hurricane  Hurricane Mk I/L · Hurricane Mk.I/L FAA M · Hurricane Mk IIB/Trop
Sea Hurricane  Sea Hurricane Mk IB · Sea Hurricane Mk IC
Martin-Baker  MB.5
Spitfire (early-Merlin)  Spitfire Mk Ia · Spitfire Mk IIa · Spitfire Mk.IIa Venture I · Spitfire Mk IIb · Spitfire Mk Vb/trop · Spitfire Mk Vb · Spitfire Mk Vc/trop · Spitfire Mk Vc
Spitfire (late-Merlin)  Spitfire F Mk IX · Spitfire LF Mk IX · Spitfire F Mk IXc · Plagis' Spitfire LF Mk IXc · Spitfire F Mk XVI
Spitfire (Griffon)  Spitfire F Mk XIVc · Spitfire F Mk XIVe · Prendergast's Spitfire FR Mk XIVe · Spitfire F Mk XVIIIe · Spitfire F Mk 22 · Spitfire F Mk 24
Seafire  Seafire LF Mk.III · Seafire F Mk XVII · Seafire FR 47
Typhoon  Typhoon Mk Ia · Typhoon Mk Ib · Typhoon Mk Ib/L
Tempest  Tempest Mk II · Tempest Mk V
Sea Fury  Sea Fury FB 11
Twin-engine fighters  Hornet Mk.I · Hornet Mk.III · Whirlwind Mk I · Whirlwind P.9
  Foreign:
Australia  ▄Boomerang Mk I · ▄Boomerang Mk II
France  ▄D.520 · ▄D.521
USA  ▄Martlet Mk IV · ▄Corsair F Mk II · ▄Hellcat Mk II · ▄Thunderbolt Mk.1 · ▄Mustang Mk IA

Britain premium aircraft
Fighters  Tuck's Gladiator Mk II · ▄Boomerang Mk I · ▄Boomerang Mk II · ▄D.520
  ▄Martlet Mk IV · ▄Corsair F Mk II · ▄Hellcat Mk II · ▄Thunderbolt Mk.1 · ▄Mustang Mk IA
  Hurricane Mk.I/L FAA M · Spitfire Mk.IIa Venture I · Spitfire F Mk IXc · Plagis' Spitfire LF Mk IXc · Spitfire F Mk XIVc · Prendergast's Spitfire FR Mk XIVe
  Typhoon Mk Ib · MB.5
Twin-engine fighters  Hornet Mk.I · Whirlwind P.9
Jet fighters  Attacker FB.2 · Hunter FGA.9 · Lightning F.53 · Meteor F Mk.8 Reaper · Sea Vixen F.A.W. Mk.2 · F-4J(UK) Phantom II · ▄MiG-21 Bison
Strike aircraft  ▄Wirraway · Beaufighter Mk I (40-mm) · Wyvern S4
  Harrier GR.1 · Strikemaster Mk.88
Bombers  ▄Avenger Mk II · ▄Boston Mk I · ▄Catalina Mk IIIa · ▄DB-7 · ▄Havoc Mk I · ▄Hudson Mk V · Swordfish Mk II

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