CAC Boomerang VH-MHB 

It's first ever display in Australia in over 81 years!

The Boomerang holds a unique place in our nation's aviation history. It remains the only fighter aircraft ever designed and built in Australia to enter full production. It was born out of necessity during the dark days of 1942, when Australia faced the very real threat of invasion and desperately needed a modern fighter aircraft. In an astonishing engineering achievement, Australian designers and factory workers took the existing Wirraway trainer and transformed it into a frontline fighter in just sixteen weeks.

Powered by a 1,200 horsepower Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp radial engine, the Boomerang wasn't the fastest fighter in the Pacific. It couldn't match the Japanese Zero in outright speed, but what it lacked in top speed it made up for with ruggedness, manoeuvrability and an exceptional ability to operate at very low level.

Rather than chasing enemy fighters, the Boomerang found its true calling over the jungles of New Guinea and Bougainville. Flying alongside Australian soldiers, Boomerang pilots marked targets for Kittyhawks and Corsairs, directed artillery fire and protected troops on the ground. It became one of the Royal Australian Air Force's most valuable army cooperation aircraft, often flying only a few hundred feet above the treetops under enemy fire.

The aircraft you see today carries an equally remarkable history.

Restored as wartime aircraft A46-54, which originally served with No. 83 Squadron RAAF, carrying the squadron code MH-B — the very markings it proudly wears once again today. During its wartime service it operated from Strathpine in Queensland before later serving in the Northern Territory. After the war it was placed into storage and eventually sold for scrap in 1955.

Most aircraft would have disappeared forever. But not this one.

Its remains were recovered near Toowoomba in 1970 before being acquired by Queensland warbird enthusiast Greg Batts, who spent almost forty years painstakingly restoring the aircraft. Earlier this year, in one of the great moments of Australian warbird preservation, VH-MHB took to the skies once again for the first time since 1945. Over 81 years!

Today, only a handful of Boomerangs remain airworthy anywhere in the world, making every flight an incredibly special occasion.

At Wings on the Warrego 2026, you will witness history as Australia's own fighter aircraft — designed, built and now flying again thanks to the dedication of passionate Australians determined to preserve this remarkable piece of our heritage.

A once in a lifetime opportunity exists today where you can fly in formation with this magnificent and unique aircraft at Wings on the Warrego. Contact Brisbane Biplanes for details.