CAC Boomerang CA 13 A46-128 Restoration

Since Warbirds Online reported on Ian Baker and his restoration of CAC Boomerangs in June 2019 considerable progress has been made on several of Ian’s Boomerangs. So much so, that CA 13 A46-128 has advanced to the point where it can now be placed on the market as a viable restoration project. This aircraft was recently acquired by Ian along with a large holding of other Boomerang components. Since its arrival at Ian’s workshop the Boomerang has undergone considerable work to progress its restoration.

The forward fuselage frame has been fully structurally tested, repaired and accurately repainted and some internal components refitted with more fit out to follow shortly. The Fuselage fuel tank floor support has been restored and is ready to be fitted, the engine mount has been overhauled and is fitted back on to the forward fuselage. A main fuselage fuel tank has been restored and is ready for refitting as are numerous fittings and fixtures from the rest of the fuselage. A46-128 is an excellent base aircraft for restoration as it will contain a lot of original material specific to this aircraft and other Boomerangs not new build components. CAC Boomerang original material is becoming very rare so it is a great benefit to have as much genuine componentry fitted to a restoration.

A Mk IV North American T6 / Harvard centre section is in hand for conversion to CAC Boomerang specification – this is the chosen pathway for many Boomerang restorations as the end result is near identical to the stock CAC Boomerang specification. Wing outer sections are in the process of manufacture to exact Boomerang specification. The fuselage wooden shell has been manufactured and will be fitted once the fuselage has been fully fitted out.  Landing gear has been sourced and is in the process of being overhauled. A seat has been secured and awaits overhaul. All other components are either available or already rebuilt for fitting.

It is important to note that the decision to sell this aircraft allows a new owner to specify exactly the level of completion and finish they desire. The aircraft can be secured as is or as a fly away aircraft completely finished or any stage in the middle. The engine and propeller are available as desired. Should a buyer want to have the aircraft completed by Ian it would take less than 3 years to complete.

This is a great opportunity to secure a historic CAC Boomerang at a very reasonable cost lower than almost any other WW11 fighter with a great Australian heritage.  Should you be interested in purchasing Boomerang CA 13 A46-128 you can contact Ian Baker by email at advancedaerocomponents@gmail.com.

History of CAC CA-13 Boomerang A46-128

This Boomerang was delivered by CAC to the RAAF in August 1943 with construction number 951 and went to No1 Air Depot on 25th of August 1943. Two days later on the 27th of August it was to be sent to the SDU (Special Duties Flight) where it was to be used to test the Boomerangs Carbon Monoxide levels. This however was cancelled and the aircraft was re allocated to 84 Squadron on the 11th of September 1943 and delivered to that Squadron on the 16th of September. At this time 84 Sqn was a part of No 72 wing operating out of the Torres Straight at Horn Island.

Following the conversion of 84 Sqn to Kittyhawks on the 28th of October A46-128 was transferred to 5 Sqn, deployed to Piva Airfield at Torokina on Bougainville under No. 84 (Army Co-operation) Wing, the aircraft stayed with this unit flying missions with RNZAF Corsairs marking targets etc., until 12th March 1945 when it was written off as a result of a heavy landing whilst flown by S/L Norman Steed Parry (291972) AFC. The aircraft was landing at Piva North strip and the starboard tyre to burst swinging the aircraft to left heading for the Duty Pilot’s tower, so to avoid collision he lifted aircraft off ground but didn’t have enough speed and fell back to ground collapsing undercarriage and striking the starboard wing causing the aircraft to cartwheel; converted to components in April 1945.

During A46-128s service career it carried the markings coded BF-N with “U Beaut II” on the cowl with a man in a tux riding on a broom while with 5 Sqn and usually the aircraft of S/L Cook. Subsequently the aircrafts fuselage was recovered and after several owners has come into Ian Bakers care.

Read “More News” about the CAC Boomerang restorations by Ian Baker.

© John Parker 2019

Warbirds Online acknowledges and is grateful for the use of some images in this story from the Australian War Memorial website.