Warbirds #401 | WWII-era Boomerang comes back

​​WWII CAC Boomerang takes flight after 80 years

​Following on from our reporting in the last magazine, a WWII-era CA-12 Boomerang has officially taken to the skies after more than 80 years on the ground – what a feat! Firstly, all accolades to the amazing team that made it happen, led by Greg Batts of Combat Aircraft Constructions in Archerfield, Queensland, with support from the Toowoomba-based engineering firm Aerotec, among others, I am sure. It comes just weeks after the WWII-era CA-12 Boomerang combat monoplane, serial number A46-54 and registered as VH-MHB, conducted its first engine run test at Toowoomba City Airport.

​The flight took place on 16 March 2026 at Toowoomba’s bustling Wellcamp Airport, with renowned test pilot and seasoned Warbird operator from RAAF 100 Squadron, Flight Lieutenant Scott Taberner, at the helm. After initial concerns over weather and crosswinds, the test flight was given the green light. Taberner, who is no stranger to flying a Boomerang, conducted several manoeuvres and circuits above the Wellcamp aerodrome during the 40-minute flight time. He said afterwards that the 83-year-old plane was among the smoothest performers of any Boomerangs he had experienced.

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