RAAF Base Edinburgh
Encyclopedia
RAAF Base Edinburgh is located in Edinburgh
, 25km north of the centre of Adelaide
.
It is primarily home to No 92 Wing's AP-3C Orion
maritime patrol aircraft that conduct surveillance operations throughout Australia's airspace.
Aerospace Operational Support Group
(AOSG) conducts research and development on aircraft and weapons through the flight test squadron, ARDU
, and conducts a wide range of Defence systems test and evaluation activities at the Woomera Test Range
(WTR), controlled through Headquarters Woomera Test Range (HQWTR), a Wing-level agency unit within AOSG.
RAAF Base Edinburgh is also home to No. 87 Squadron, Air Force Intelligence, and over the course of 2010-2011 became home for 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment and some smaller units. This has pushed the daily working population of RAAF Base Edinburgh beyond 4500 from 6am-6pm.
. This support had previously been temporarily based at Mallala
. The base was located alongside the wartime Salisbury Explosives factory, in open fields between the then country villages of Salisbury
(to the south) and Smithfield
(to the north). At about the same time, the satellite town of Elizabeth
was being established (to the east).
With the reduction in testing activities in the late 1960s, the base later became home to the RAAF's Maritime Patrol Group, as well as No 1 Recruit Training Unit, the Institute of Aviation Medicine (AVMED) and the Aircraft Research and Development Unit (ARDU).
Originally, RAAF Edinburgh and the DSTO were located in Salisbury
, (subsequently the suburb of Salisbury - Postcode
5108), in the City of Salisbury
. In 1997, the Department of Defence decided to rationalise the then "DSTO Salisbury" site and sell off about 70% of the site, and surrounding "Defence-owned" Crown land, to form the "Edinburgh Parks" industrial estate. The suburb of Salisbury was split in two, with the part containing the RAAF Base and DSTO renamed "Edinburgh" (after the RAAF Base). The new suburb was designated as part of the City of Playford
, and assigned the Postcode 5111.
The main aircraft type operating from Edinburgh is the AP-3C Orion
maritime patrol aircraft. However, the base has recently (2006-2011) undergone a massive upgrade, and is now also home to an Army Group due to move down from Darwin in early 2011.
aerospace testing and evaluation of new weapons and aircraft into the RAAF and ADF arsenal.
Edinburgh, South Australia
Edinburgh is a northern suburb of Adelaide, South Australia. It is an industrial suburb dominated by RAAF Base Edinburgh and DSTO Edinburgh.It was split from the suburb of Salisbury in 1997 when the Department of Defence decided to rationalise the then "DSTO Salisbury" site and sell off about 70%...
, 25km north of the centre of Adelaide
Adelaide
Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia and the fifth-largest city in Australia. Adelaide has an estimated population of more than 1.2 million...
.
It is primarily home to No 92 Wing's AP-3C Orion
P-3 Orion
The Lockheed P-3 Orion is a four-engine turboprop anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft developed for the United States Navy and introduced in the 1960s. Lockheed based it on the L-188 Electra commercial airliner. The aircraft is easily recognizable by its distinctive tail stinger or...
maritime patrol aircraft that conduct surveillance operations throughout Australia's airspace.
Aerospace Operational Support Group
Aerospace Operational Support Group RAAF
The Aerospace Operational Support Group is a support group of the Australian Defence Force based at RAAF Base Edinburgh.-External links:*...
(AOSG) conducts research and development on aircraft and weapons through the flight test squadron, ARDU
Aircraft Research and Development Unit RAAF
The Royal Australian Air Force's Aircraft Research and Development Unit was responsible for the test and evaluation of aircraft and weapons used by the RAAF. The ARDU was first established as the Special Duties and Performance Flight in 1941. ARDU also operated the Woomera Test Facility located...
, and conducts a wide range of Defence systems test and evaluation activities at the Woomera Test Range
Woomera Test Range
The RAAF Woomera Test Range is a weapons testing range operated by the Royal Australian Air Force Aerospace Operational Support Group...
(WTR), controlled through Headquarters Woomera Test Range (HQWTR), a Wing-level agency unit within AOSG.
RAAF Base Edinburgh is also home to No. 87 Squadron, Air Force Intelligence, and over the course of 2010-2011 became home for 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment and some smaller units. This has pushed the daily working population of RAAF Base Edinburgh beyond 4500 from 6am-6pm.
History
RAAF Edinburgh was constructed in the mid-1950s as a support base for weapons development at the joint UK-Australian Weapons Research Establishment at WoomeraWoomera, South Australia
The town, or village, of Woomera is located in the south east corner of the Woomera Prohibited Area ; colloquially known as the Woomera Rocket Range...
. This support had previously been temporarily based at Mallala
RAAF Base Mallala
RAAF Base Mallala was a Royal Australian Air Force base located at Mallala, South Australia.-History:The base was built in 1941 as the home of No. 6 Service Flying Training School during World War II...
. The base was located alongside the wartime Salisbury Explosives factory, in open fields between the then country villages of Salisbury
Salisbury, South Australia
Salisbury is a northern suburb in Adelaide, South Australia. It is the seat of the City of Salisbury, and in the South Australian Legislative Assembly electoral district of Ramsay and the Australian House of Representatives divisions of Wakefield and Port Adelaide...
(to the south) and Smithfield
Smithfield, South Australia
Smithfield is a suburb in the northern outskirts of Adelaide, South Australia. It is in the City of Playford.Gawler Plains Post Office opened on 12 July 1850 and was renamed Smithfield in 1855.-References:...
(to the north). At about the same time, the satellite town of Elizabeth
Elizabeth, South Australia
Elizabeth is a northern suburb of Adelaide, South Australia. It is located in the City of Playford.-History:Elizabeth was established in 1955 as part of a planned satellite town by the South Australian Housing Trust on rural land between the older towns of Salisbury and...
was being established (to the east).
With the reduction in testing activities in the late 1960s, the base later became home to the RAAF's Maritime Patrol Group, as well as No 1 Recruit Training Unit, the Institute of Aviation Medicine (AVMED) and the Aircraft Research and Development Unit (ARDU).
Originally, RAAF Edinburgh and the DSTO were located in Salisbury
Salisbury, South Australia
Salisbury is a northern suburb in Adelaide, South Australia. It is the seat of the City of Salisbury, and in the South Australian Legislative Assembly electoral district of Ramsay and the Australian House of Representatives divisions of Wakefield and Port Adelaide...
, (subsequently the suburb of Salisbury - Postcode
Postcodes in Australia
Postcodes are used in Australia to sort and send mail to the correct address. All postcodes in Australia have four numbers and are placed at the end of the address...
5108), in the City of Salisbury
City of Salisbury
The City of Salisbury is a local government area located on the northern fringes of Adelaide, South Australia. It has an estimated population of 130,022 people and encompasses an area of 158km². The council's main offices are situated in the Salisbury central business district.-Suburbs:-External...
. In 1997, the Department of Defence decided to rationalise the then "DSTO Salisbury" site and sell off about 70% of the site, and surrounding "Defence-owned" Crown land, to form the "Edinburgh Parks" industrial estate. The suburb of Salisbury was split in two, with the part containing the RAAF Base and DSTO renamed "Edinburgh" (after the RAAF Base). The new suburb was designated as part of the City of Playford
City of Playford
The City of Playford is a Local Government Area of South Australia, located in Adelaide's northern suburbs. The name 'Playford' comes from the recognition of Sir Thomas Playford, who played a part in the development of the area, and was South Australia's premier from 1938-1965...
, and assigned the Postcode 5111.
Units
| Surveillance and Response Group Surveillance and Response Group RAAF The Surveillance and Response Group is a Force Element Group of the Royal Australian Air Force with its headquarters at RAAF Base Williamtown.... |
|
|---|---|
| No 92 Wing - maritime operations | |
| 10SQN | No. 10 Squadron No. 10 Squadron RAAF No. 10 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force maritime patrol squadron based at RAAF Base Edinburgh. The Squadron was first formed in 1939 and has seen active service in World War II, East Timor, the War on Terrorism and the 2003 Gulf War.-Second World War:... - Orion maritime patrol aircraft |
| 11SQN | No. 11 Squadron No. 11 Squadron RAAF No. 11 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force maritime patrol squadron based at RAAF Base Edinburgh. It was formed in 1939 and has seen active service in World War II, East Timor, the War on Terrorism and the 2003 Gulf War... - Orion maritime patrol aircraft |
| Others | |
| 292SQN | No. 292 Squadron No. 292 Squadron RAAF No. 292 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force operational conversion unit based at RAAF Base Edinburgh. The squadron was formed on 1 January 1977 as the Maritime Analysis Training School. The Squadron was renamed No. 292 Squadron on 27 October 1980.... - sensor operator training |
| 1RSU | No. 1 Radar Surveillance Unit No. 1 Radar Surveillance Unit RAAF No. 1 Radar Surveillance Unit is the Royal Australian Air Force unit responsible for operating the Jindalee Operational Radar Network... |
| 44WG DET EDN | No. 44 Wing Detachment Edinburgh - air traffic control |
| Aerospace Operational Support Group Aerospace Operational Support Group RAAF The Aerospace Operational Support Group is a support group of the Australian Defence Force based at RAAF Base Edinburgh.-External links:*... |
|
| Information Warfare Wing (TU 646.7.1) | |
| JEWOSU | Joint Electronic Warfare Operational Support Unit |
| RAAF AIS | RAAF Aeronautical Information Service |
| 87SQN | No. 87 Squadron No. 87 Squadron RAAF No. 87 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force air intelligence squadron. The Squadron saw action during World War II as a photo reconnaissance squadron.-World War II:... - Air Intelligence |
| 462SQN | No. 462 Squadron No. 462 Squadron RAAF No. 462 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force squadron which forms part of the Information Warfare Wing in the RAAF's Aerospace Operational Support Group. The squadron was first formed in 1942 as a heavy bomber unit and saw combat in this role in the Mediterranean area until it was disbanded in... - information security |
| Air Systems Development and Test Wing (TU 646.7.2) | |
| AFTS | Aircraft Research and Development Unit (ARDU) Flight Test Squadron (AFTS) |
| ASES | ARDU Systems Engineering Squadron (ASES) |
| ASCEA | Aircraft/Stores Compatibility Engineering Agency (ASCEA) |
| AVMED | Institute of Aviation Medicine (AVMED) |
| Woomera Test Range (TU 646.7.3) | |
| HQWTR | Headquarters Woomera Test Range (HQWTR) |
| WTROPS | WTR Range Operations Branch |
| WRA | RAAF Airfield Woomera |
| WPA | Woomera Prohibited Area |
| WTRENG | WTR Range Engineering Branch |
| Combat Support Group | |
| 1AFDS | No. 1 Airfield Defence Squadron No. 1 Airfield Defence Squadron RAAF No 1 Airfield Defence Squadron is an Royal Australian Air Force military unit whose primary role is to protect and defend airfields, buildings, equipment, and personnel.-Crest:... - Airfield Defence Guards |
| 24SQN | No. 24 Squadron No. 24 Squadron RAAF No. 24 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force squadron. The Squadron was formed in 1940 and saw action as a bomber squadron during World War II. Since the end of the war the Squadron has been an RAAF Reserve squadron located near Adelaide, South Australia.... - RAAF Ediburgh Base Management Squadron |
The main aircraft type operating from Edinburgh is the AP-3C Orion
P-3 Orion
The Lockheed P-3 Orion is a four-engine turboprop anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft developed for the United States Navy and introduced in the 1960s. Lockheed based it on the L-188 Electra commercial airliner. The aircraft is easily recognizable by its distinctive tail stinger or...
maritime patrol aircraft. However, the base has recently (2006-2011) undergone a massive upgrade, and is now also home to an Army Group due to move down from Darwin in early 2011.
Aircraft Research and Development Unit (ARDU)
The Aircraft Research and Development Unit, first established in 1944, is now a squadron of AOSG's Development and Test Wing (DTWG). Based at RAAF Edinburgh, ARDU provides specialist ADFAustralian Defence Force
The Australian Defence Force is the military organisation responsible for the defence of Australia. It consists of the Royal Australian Navy , Australian Army, Royal Australian Air Force and a number of 'tri-service' units...
aerospace testing and evaluation of new weapons and aircraft into the RAAF and ADF arsenal.
| permanently | temporarily |
|---|---|
| Pilatus PC-9 Pilatus PC-9 The Pilatus PC-9 is a single-engine, low-wing tandem-seat turboprop training aircraft manufactured by Pilatus Aircraft of Switzerland.-Design and development:... |
General Dynamics F-111 General Dynamics F-111 The General Dynamics F-111 "Aardvark" was a medium-range interdictor and tactical strike aircraft that also filled the roles of strategic bomber, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare in its various versions. Developed in the 1960s by General Dynamics, it first entered service in 1967 with the... |
| Boeing F/A-18 Hornet F/A-18 Hornet The McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet is a supersonic, all-weather carrier-capable multirole fighter jet, designed to dogfight and attack ground targets . Designed by McDonnell Douglas and Northrop, the F/A-18 was derived from the latter's YF-17 in the 1970s for use by the United States Navy and... |
BAE Hawk BAE Hawk The BAE Systems Hawk is a British single-engine, advanced jet trainer aircraft. It first flew in 1974 as the Hawker Siddeley Hawk. The Hawk is used by the Royal Air Force, and other air forces, as either a trainer or a low-cost combat aircraft... |
| Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk | Lockheed AP-3C Orion AP-3C Orion The Lockheed AP-3C Orion is a variant of the P-3 Orion used by the Royal Australian Air Force for tasks such as naval fleet support, maritime surveillance, search and survivor supply and anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare... |
| Eurocopter Tiger Eurocopter Tiger The Eurocopter Tiger is an attack helicopter manufactured by Eurocopter. In Germany it is known as the Tiger; in France and Spain it is called the Tigre.-Origins:... |
|
| Beechcraft Super King Air Beechcraft Super King Air The Beechcraft Super King Air family is part of a line of twin-turboprop aircraft produced by the Beech Aircraft Corporation . The King Air line comprises a number of model series that fall into two families: the Model 90 series, Model 100 series , Model 200 series and Model 300 series... |