RAAF Woomera Range Complex

The RAAF Woomera Range Complex (WRC) is a major Australian Defence Force (ADF) facility and operation located in the North-West Pastoral Region of the State of South Australia. The WRC is today operated by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) but was previously known as the 'Woomera Rocket Range' between 1947 and 1980 when it was operated by the Australian Commonwealth Government as a Defence research and long range weapons testing range.^[1] Since 1980 the Range has had various other titles but in more recent years (under RAAF management) the facility has mainly been known as the 'RAAF Woomera Test Range'. In 2013, and as part of the on-going redevelopment and remediation of Woomera^[2] into its 'next-generation' configuration in readiness to support the ADF's 'Force2030' plan,^[3][4][5] the range facility was reorganised and renamed to the 'Woomera Range Complex' (WRC).

The WRC is a highly specialised ADF test and evaluation 'capability' operated by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) for the purposes of 'testing war material' (refer Defence Force Regulation 34). The ground area of the WRC is defined by the 'Woomera Prohibited Area' (WPA). The WPA covers an area of approximately 124,000sqkm^[6] and is described by the RAAF as 'the largest land-based test range in the western world'. The airspace over the WPA is also an integral part of the WRC. Entry into 'Woomera Restricted Airspace' (WRX) is able to be controlled by the RAAF for safety and security reasons during the conduct of some activities on the Range. When required, the RAAF issuses a 'Notice to Airmen' (NOTAM) which effectively 'closes' access to any part of the airspace over the WPA when safety or security needs require such action during the conduct of Defence activities at Woomera.

Headquarters Woomera Range Complex

The WRC, as a whole-of-system 'capability' is managed by the RAAF's Aerospace Operational Support Group (AOSG) based at RAAF Base Edinburgh, in Adelaide, South Australia. Headquarters, Woomera Range Complex (HQWTRC - and listed as RAAF Task Unit 646.7.3 in the Air Force operational organisation) is responsible for managing the day to day operation of the entire capability/complex. The WRC is further split into two sub-organisations; the RAAF Woomera Test Range (WTR)- which is responsible for operating the test range and, RAAF Base Woomera (WMA)- which consists of the Woomera aerodrome ('Airbase Precinct') and Woomera 'village' ('Support Base Precinct').

RAAF Woomera Test Range

Map of the Woomera Test Range

The Woomera Test Range (WTR) is the principle operational reason for the existence of the Range Complex. The day to day operation of the WTR is controlled by HQWRC, but the actual day to day planning and control of live activities on the range is managed by the WTR operations and trials support organisation, a sub-element of HQWRC.

RAAF Base Woomera

RAAF Base Woomera is co-managed, but as part of the wider WRC facility, by RAAF Combat Support Group (CSG) and the Defence Support & Reform Group (DSRG). CSG's role is to essentially operate the aerodrome precinct in direct support of HQWRC's Range activities. DSRG's role is two-fold; i.e. to both manage the 'village' element of the base (i.e. the Support Base Precinct), and provide the essential garrison, facilities maintenance, and other operational support requirements for the day to day support of both Range and Base activities at the WRC.

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