On 3 April 1978 as a result of the re-organisation 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 Administrative 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 for
      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 Weapons Systems Research Laboratory was responsible for research and development in:
 
. aeroballistic aspects of weapons and weapon systems
. rocket and gun propulsion systems including propellants
. combat data and display systems
. guidance and control systems for weapons and remotely piloted
  aircraft 
. underwater detection systems
. the integration of systems
 
WSRL was divided into 4 divisions - Aeroballistics, Weapons Systems, Propulsion and Maritime Systems (as from 1 August 1984).  The Director of the Laboratory was Dr W G P Robertson in 1986.
 
On 1 December 1987, as a result of the re-organisation of the Defence Science and Technology Organisation, the WSRL at the Defence Research Centre became known as the Weapons Systems Research Laboratory, Defence Science and Technology Organisation, South Australia.  Changes to the four divisions of the Laboratory also occurred.
 

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

Superior agency unregistered

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