Long Range Weapons Establishment
LRWE
1947 – 1955
Defence research establishment at Salisbury, South Australia, that provided technical and range support for guided-weapons trials at the Woomera range under the Anglo-Australian Joint Project.
How it came into existence
Established in 1947 at the former Salisbury explosives factory under the Anglo-Australian Joint Project agreed with the United Kingdom, to support long-range weapons development and trials at Woomera; it was administered by the Commonwealth defence supply organisation, initially the Department of Munitions.
- Long-range weapons research and trials support
Administration by the Department of Munitions at formation is from memory and not verified.
Changes during its life
- 6 April 1948Passed to the Department of Supply and Development when the Department of Munitions was absorbed into it.
- 1949Became part of the Australian Defence Scientific Service, which grouped the department's defence research laboratories.
- 16 March 1950Passed to the new Department of Supply.
How it ended
Amalgamated in 1955 with the other defence research laboratories at Salisbury (electronics, propulsion, high-speed aerodynamics and chemical engineering) to form the Weapons Research Establishment.
- Woomera range and trials support
- Guided-weapons research
Main functions
- Range and instrumentation support for Woomera weapons trials
- Guided-weapons research and development
- Recording and analysis of trials data
- Support to the Anglo-Australian Joint Project
Where it sits
Last in the portfolio of Department of Supply.
Lineage
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Sources
Some dates or links for this organisation are not fully confirmed. Corrections are welcome.