Woomera Instrumented Range

Instrumentation Building

Adour Radar (R1)

MPS-36 Radar (R36)

The Woomera Instrumented Range (WIR) represents a core capability of the WTF and supports a wide range of trial activities.

The WIR measures approximately 40 x 50 km in size and extends in a north-west direction from the Woomera Rangehead located at Range E, Koolymilka. Facilities include:

• Instrumentation Building housing the Range Control Centre

• Rocket, missile and target drone launch sites

• Large launcher and movable airconditioned shelter

• Preparation buildings for test vehicles, rocket motors and ordnance

• Storage facilities for explosive ordnance including missiles and rockets

• Range user offices and associated amenities

• Helipad and airfield (latter not currently usable)

• Large 3,000 square metre hangar at the airfield

• Weather balloon release facility and GPS autosonde capability

Instrumentation in the WIR includes two fixed Adour C-band radars, a transportable MPS-36 C-band radar and several Contraves kinetheodolites. Behavioural cameras, telemetry systems and ordnance firing equipment are deployed when needed.

WTF staff travel from AOSG in Adelaide to operate the WIR as required. Trial activities are managed from the Range Control Centre including range safety monitoring. Strict security can be implemented for classified and hazardous trials to prevent unauthorized entry to the WIR.

Communication systems within the WIR comprise a point-to-point intercom system, UHF radio network, VHF airband transceivers, microwave data links and GSM cellular telephone coverage of the Rangehead area. A fibre optic network extends from the Instrumentation Building to downrange optical, radar and target sites and also connects with a fibre optic cable to Woomera Village.