Historical Aircraft Restoration Society Inc » CA-12

Boomerang A46-73 in the workshop

benmorgan — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 12:43:13 +0000

Boomerang A46-73 has been transferred to the sheet metal shop this April, where work is progressing on the firewall. Whilst in the sheet metal shop, work has advanced on the Boomerang hydraulic services, with the overhaul of the landing gear selection valve, flap valves and cowl-flap valves and rams. Many thanks to Gary, Nathan and Richard who continue to provide essential support and services.

Boomerang Canopy Donation & Restoration

admin — Sun, 24 May 2009 07:54:39 +0000

On a recent trip to Melbourne, Richard Hourigan, a well known Boomerang collector and aviation historian, donated a CAC CA-12 Boomerang Canopy that will restored to flying condition and put to work on A46-73.

The canopy which is largely complete will require a complete disassembly, refurbishment and replacement of hardware and the replacement of the forward canopy bow. The restoration process has already been started with the right-hand side having its paint-removed and stainless components polished.

The perspex canopy panels have already been purchased and are awaiting the completion of the canopy to be fitted.

Thank you again Richard for your kind donation!

Seat Rail Installation Started

admin — Sun, 24 May 2009 07:43:00 +0000

Work has re-started on the CAC Boomerang, with the trial-fit installation of the seat-rails and seat rail cross-bar assembly. Using an original cross-bar to template from (which was destroyed by fire), Peter Goard did a superb job in engineering the unit that will fly in A46-73. Thank you again Peter for your sterling work.

Jack “Bluey” Ellis reunited with Boomerang A46-73 After 63 years.

admin — Sun, 24 May 2009 07:05:56 +0000

Recently, my CAC Boomerang (A46-73) which was deep inside the restoration workshops, was brought forward into the public museum exhibition space. Little did I know at the time, how doing this would spark a reunion of 63 years in the making, between Boomerang pilot and aircraft.

Participating in a group tour on 23rd May with his friends, former RAAF pilot, Jack “Bluey” Ellis had been walking through the facilities when he recognised the Boomerang frame. On hand to speak with him, HARS member Mike De La Hunty quickly made a call to myself, at which time I ran downstairs, camera in hand, excited at the prospect of speaking with a ‘real’ boomerang pilot.

Jack had served with No.5 Squadron and had accumulated over 500 hours in Boomerangs, flying ground support missions in Bouganville during WWII. Prior to his posting up north, Jack was one of many pilots who was sent to Canberra, to a school that at the time was only newly formed. The Army School of Air Cooperation.

A46-73 had been assigned to the Army School of Air Cooperation, and lived out the war until 1947, training Boomerang pilots on tactics and techniques of operating at close proximity to the ground and in coordination with Army ground units. ”The school did not operate many Boomerangs, as we did most of our training in the Wirraway with an Army officer in the rear. It is fantastic to see A46-73 again after all these years.”, Jack recalled.

“We used to fly the Boomerangs no more than 2 foot off the (jungle) canopy. We didn’t have the luxury of thousands of feet under us like spitfires and kittyhawks, Boomerang pilots flew close to the ground and quite often got shot at, but almost always got home. On many missions we (boomerang pilots) would lead in New Zealand Corsairs for ground attack missions, I was only 23 back then.” he said.

It was an honor and privilege to meet Jack and spend the time that i did. It makes me all the more determined to see A46-73 fly again. An unexpected bonus in the process of restoring this great aircraft and an experience I doubt I will ever forget.

Thank’s Jack and I hope to see you again soon. Ben Morgan