Warbirds #401 | WWII-era Boomerang comes back

​This plane, A46-54, was a home-grown Boomerang built in Melbourne by Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation, constructor number 877, and delivered to the RAAF in March 1943. Given registration MH-B, the aircraft was one of 250 Boomerangs built in Australia during the Second World War and was operated by 83 Squadron in the Northern Territory. The aircraft was known to have experienced several incidents during its time in combat, including the loss of its outer wings upon landing near North Pine Creek, Queensland, in 1943. The plane was repaired and moved to 84 Squadron, where it served until the end of the war. At that stage, the plane, along with many other Boomerangs and surplus aircraft, was sold to the RH Grant Trading Company for parts.

​Eventually, her remains were sold to Greg Batts – renowned for his work on other Boomerang restorations – who has spent the years since carefully and lovingly restoring her to her former glory. Now, after further flight testing, the aircraft is bound for its new home at the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre in Caboolture and is sure to be spotted at future warbird events and flight displays.

​Australia celebrates ANZAC Day Flypasts

For anyone enthusiastic about military aviation of the past and present, ANZAC Day is perhaps the busiest day of the year. On 25 April 2026, the Australian Defence Force and the Royal Australian Air Force performed dozens of flypasts and aerial displays across the country to commemorate and honour the soldiers from Australia and New Zealand who fought honourably at Gallipoli in 1915, 111 years ago.

​As usual, NSW and Victoria were spoiled the most with flight display activity. NSW’s displays featured the F-35A Lightning II, EA-18G Growler, Hawk 127, MH-60R Seahawk, EC-135, and several appearances from the 100 Squadron Heritage Aircraft fleet, while Victoria saw activity from the Roulettes and their PC-21 fleet, as well as the KA-350 King Air. Queenslanders were treated to appearances by the C-27J Spartan and F/A-18F Super Hornet, while South Australians spotted a P-8 Poseidon. The Northern Territory saw displays by the F-35A Lightning II, as too did the ACT. Tasmania’s sole display was put on by a KA-350 King Air, operated by 32 Squadron.

​This year, given heightened global tensions and fuel reserve concerns, Defence added a caveat to its official flypast information website, noting that: “Air Force is committed to balancing the efficient and responsible use of fuel with the requirement to ensure our people are trained, ready and prepared to conduct operations in support of Australia’s national interests.” The note is unusual, but not unwarranted in the context of the day.

All about airshows

While we’re on the topic of air displays, there is a tonne of news in the Australian airshow space to report. To kick us off, AVALON is officially back for 2027, with confirmed dates of 23–28 February. As usual, the show will consist of 3 days of trade access, before a weekend of fast-paced aerial displays and public access to the exhibitions. AVALON is often associated with major announcements, unveilings, and air displays you won’t catch anywhere else in the country – as well as the usual contenders of the Australian Defence Force and exceptional local aerobatic crews.

​If you can’t wait until February, Wings over Shellharbour is set to take off this month with warbirds galore. Currently, the line-up includes three Spitfires, two P-51 Mustangs, and the world’s only flying Lockheed Hudson Bomber, courtesy of RAAF 100SQN and the Temora Aviation Museum. Other displays include a DHC-4 Caribou, a P-40 Kittyhawk, and a flying F4U-1D Corsair courtesy of Paul Bennet Airshows.

​Speaking of the Temora Aviation Museum, organisers have revealed that, after more than 20 years, the successful Warbirds Downunder airshow will unfortunately not return in 2026 and has been placed on indefinite pause. The museum’s chief executive, Peter Harper, said the decision was made amid multiple pressures, including rising costs, insurance, logistical challenges, and the difficulty of organising such a large-scale event while keeping ticket prices affordable for families. Instead, efforts will focus on planning two Showcase Days per year in May and September, and on having the museum support other airshows nationally.

“While this decision will disappoint supporters, it represents a positive evolution for aviation at Temora,” Harper said. “We remain committed to celebrating Australia’s aviation heritage and are exploring ways to host a major airshow in the future.”

​Looking back, Warbirds over Scone went off without a hitch, welcoming over 15,000 spectators between 28–29 March, and was noted as the biggest display of flying warbirds in the Southern Hemisphere! Scone-based Pays Aviation was of course there to support with its original De Havilland Tiger Moth, VH-PCL, along with the only airworthy de Havilland DH.115 Vampire, and multi-ship formation displays from the CAC Wirraway, Supermarine Spitfire, and a nail-biting display from the Paul Bennet Airshows Sky Aces.