On 3 April 1978 as a result of the reorganisation of the Defence Science and Technology Organisation, the Weapons Research Establishment in South Australia was split into four separate laboratories:
 
. Advanced Engineering Laboratory
. Electronics Research Laboratory
. Weapons Systems Research Laboratory
. Trials Resources Laboratory
 
In February 1982 the Trials Resources Laboratory was absorbed into the Advanced Engineering Laboratory.  Collectively, the three laboratories were then known as the Defence Research Centre Salisbury (DRCS), although they operated independently of each other and reported to the Chief Defence Scientist of the Defence Science and Technology Organisation. General and administrative support to the laboratories was provided by the Aministrative Branch of DRCS.
 
The general functions of the laboratories were to:
 
. provide scientific and technical advice on defence policy matters. . provide scientific and technical support -
  (a) to the Australian Defence Force in its task of maintaining
      effective forces in being and for the development of the Force;
  (b) for the acquisition of defence material; and
  (c) for such other matters as specified by the Minister of Defence. . maintain a technology base to support the Australian Defence Force
  the Department of Defence and defence industry.
. carry out the initial development of selected prototype equipment
  to meet approved Defence requirements.
(Information Guide to DRCS.  Laboratory functions and tasks.  1984)  

The Advanced Engineering Laboratory (AEL) carried out feasibility studies and developed, designed and manufactured prototype systems and equipment in the mechanical and electronic engineering technology base.  Engineering support was also provided to the Services and assistance was given to defence-related industry.  It also maintained an advanced engineering technology base.  The laboratory provided expertise in the planning, conducting and analysis of trials and exercises at Woomera and elsewhere.
 
AEL was headed by a Director and organisationally divided into three divisions - Mechanical Engineering and Workshops, Trials and Technology Support and Communications and Electronic Engineering.  There was also an Industrial Engineering Management Group.  The three divisions were sub-divided into various supporting branches and groups.  The Director of AEL as in 1986 was Mr R D Ramsay.
 
As a result of the reorganisation of the Defence Science and Technology Organisation this Laboratory was disbanded on 1 December 1987.  Its functions were scattered among the Weapons Systems Laboratory, the Surveillance Laboratory, Electronics Laboratory, Aeronautical Research Laboratory and the Support and Services Organisation.
 

SOURCES
 
1. Information Guide to DRCS, Laboratory functions and tasks, 1984 
2. Report on Defence Science and Technology Organisation, 1983
Historical agency address
Salisbury SA

Previous agency unregistered

1982: Trials Research Laboratory, Defence Research Centre, Salisbury
      (South Australia), 03 Apr 1978-Feb 1982

Superior agency unregistered

03 Apr 1978-01 Dec 1987: Chief Defence Scientist, Defence Science and
                         Technology Organisation