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About BoomerangsHistory of the BoomerangBoomerangs have been around for 1000's of years with early recorded uses of boomerangs recorded in Egypt and Ancient Europe. However, boomerangs became more famous through the Australian Aborigines which used them for hunting, sports, and decoration. The Aborigines had various names for them depending on whether they were of a returning type of not, however the final name bou-mar-rang emerged from the Turuwal people of the George’s River near Port Jackson with word meaning returning throw stick.Types of BoomerangsBoomerangs today are made from a variety of timbers, plastics, and other materials. Depending on the shape, size, and angles of the boomerang will determine distance of flight, elevation, and ability to do tricks.We recommend Rangs Boomerangs because of their quality design, ease of use, and return of flight. The Rangs boomerangs come in a range of styles and designs aimed at the first time thrower, the family, or the sports enthusiast. The models below offer kids fun (funrang), family fun (hornet), and enthusiast and trick flying (trimagic). 
 Rangs also manufacture the traditional wood style boomerangs and various models can be viewed here or at the online store. How does a Boomerang Fly?A returning boomerang is basically two wings joined at an angle of between 80o and 120o, although it can have more than two wings. The wings are arranged so they work best when the boomerang is rotating rather than flying straight like an aeroplane.The combination of spin with forward motion causes uneven lift on the wings because at any given time, one wing is rotating forward in the same direction as the flight, while the other is rotating backwards, against the direction of flight. This means the air flow over the wing on one side of the disk of rotation has a higher airspeed than the other wing and so generates more lift. The uneven lift tries to tip the boomerang over, but just like leaning a moving bike over makes it turn, the boomerang's spin twists the tipping force at right angles and gives the boomerang a curving flight. Another tipping force, caused by the centre of lift being forward of the centre of gravity, is also twisted to make the boomerang "lie down" in flight. The name for both these twisting motions is gyroscopic precession. The illustration below (courtesy of Rangs Australia) shows how it all comes together to make the boomerang fly in a circle and (given some skill) come back.   To learn how to throw a boomerang click here. Other Australian ProductsAustralia is a land of mystery and intrigue. It is also the home of an abundance of neat products in addition to the boomerang. Please check out Bangalla for more information ondidgeridoos and art Australian wool products body products reusable shopping bags from Envirosax and Aussie hats from Wallaroo. |
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