Aussie Boomerang Updates

[flyingheritage]

A moite of mine has informed me that a Boomerang in Australia is closer to getting to flight.


Last i recall there 1 flying and around 5-6 nearing flight or long term rebuilding to flight...
Could be a whole sqn nearly one day.. not bad for a small limited and nimble fighter that was unheard of basically until 20yrs ago.

[Jollygreenslugg]

Adding one bolt to a bare frame is getting a project 'closer to flight'.

Cheers,
Matt

[bootlegger]

Whats the deal with the airworthy boomerang for sale in the states. It started out at $545000 US and gradually has dropped down to $245000.
Whats wrong with it?

[daveymac82c]

The one in the US, isn't there something about it being more of a replica than an original? Like it used some non-Boomerang components or something?

If I had a bunch of money I'd love to buy that thing, regardless if it's a replica or not. It would be really cool to show off my Aussie heritage here in Canada.

Cheers,

David

[bootlegger]

I also heard it had a lot of Wirraway components used in the rebuild. I cant see a problem with that as they were designed with the use of Wirraway components in mind. I think its a good buy also.
I guess it needs to be in Australia to find a buyer.

[daveymac82c]

Yeah, I can only imagine that there are some people in Australia that wouldn't mind buying it, despite whatever imperfections it may have.

Cheers,

David

[bdk]

The one in the US is extensively modified from a T6/Harvard with some original canopy components I think. The wingtips and some of the fairings are fiberglass as I recall. It was built by Dennis Sanders and Dale Clarke.

[Mark_Pilkington]

The one in the US is extensively modified from a T6/Harvard with some original canopy components I think. The wingtips and some of the fairings are fiberglass as I recall. It was built by Dennis Sanders and Dale Clarke.

It was built along side Guido's original airworthy Boomerang restoration which itself orginally flew with T6 Centre-section and clipped T6 wings, the clipped T6 wings were later replaced with new manufactured Boomerang wings from Matt Denning, which he engineered for his rebuild.

It would be a nice buy for someone in Australia (if the exchange rate improved) as the US price is now more reflecting its replica status.

regards

Mark Pilkington

http://www.warbirdinformationexchange.o ... ce0a3a0482

http://www.courtesyaircraft.com/N32CS%2 ... 0Specs.htm

[bootlegger]

The price has been dropped to $220k now. I cant believe it isnt sold.
I guess some things people just wont touch. Not surprising Ive seen it happen over and over with collectable cars.

[AvroAvian]

I'm afraid that about the only thing Boomerang on the Sanders/Clark aircraft is the canopy/windscreen. Structurally, I don't think I would like to fly it like a Boomerang either, as the Boomerang is quite a different animal to this converted T6 - I see that this aircraft still has the clipped T6 wings. IIRC, Guido Zuccoli had Matt Denning build the Boomerang wings for his aeroplane (quite an undertaking in itself as Matt had to redraw them from an original general arrangement and bits of wreckage) after he had some aileron reversal issues with the clipped T6 wings fitted to his aeroplane. The wings on the Boomerang are also completely different to the T6, having a different section out towards the tip, provision for machine guns and cannon and strengthened considerably with spanwise sections of corrugated aluminium. I have been reliably informed that the ailerons on the Boomerang handle much like the P40 - delightful.
The original Boomerang, like the Wirraway, also has a steel tube frame all the way to the sternpost, but with larger and heavier guage tubes. The frame is then covered with a wooden fairing, apart from the lower "quarter" of the rear frame, which is an aluminium "monocoque". The Sanders/Clark aircraft has a modified T6 monocoque that basically had the top cut out and extended upwards to make it look like a Boomerang.
The empennage on the Boomerang is also stronger and the trim tab actuators were relocated from the control surfaces to the stabilizers themselves.

[A2C]

So is everybody here saying that this Boomerang has the T-6 aluminum tailcone, and not the "built up" truss structure of the original Boomerang?

Is the cowling metal or fiberglass too?

Thanks,

[A2C]

Here's a couple sites on Boomerang restorations:

http://community.webshots.com/album/240 ... c?start=12

http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2719074 ... 6846vfJyhS

This gives us an idea of how it's built. In my opinion, it looks like a straight forward built up aircraft. In many ways probably even more straight-forward than T-6/harvard. It's got several pieces "layered on top of eachother, forming the outer skin. Looks like the cables and everything is tensioned while panels are off for easier access. Then, all the layers of panels are put on last.

[Mark_Pilkington]

.

yes, this Sander's replica uses a stressed metal rear fuselage rather than a steel tube rear fuselage with plywood covering, but that in itself isnt the main issue, its that the Boomerang centre-section and wing outer panels are significantly different and stronger than the modified T6 wing, and even substantially stronger and different from the Wirraway wing for greater engine and wing loading. I am not sure that would be a problem from a safety point of view if operated within its adjusted design limits, but above someone indicated the clipped T6 wing created some aileron concerns? in handling as well?

Subject to appropriate engineering, handling and operating conditions, I still think it would be a great low entry purchase into a replica of a unique combat design, and certainly of more interest than a Nangchung etc.

I think this example already has a jump seat for passengers?

regards

Mark Pilkington

[A2C]

If it were me, I would rather have an original. Either way, a lot of work!