by Steve Mackenzie

In 1961 Weapons Research Establishment (WRE) raised a requirement for a utility helicopter suitable for a number of roles at the Woomera Rocket Range. The Bell UH-1B Iroquois ordered by the RAAF, was considered but due to cost and lack of availability, the Alouette III was selected and three were ordered in October 1963. The three Australian aircraft were shipped to Adelaide and transported by road to Woomera in a knocked-down crated condition. Upon erection they became A5-165, 166 and 167. The first two aircraft (A5-166 and A5-167) were received at Woomera on 7 February 1964, followed by the third, A5-165, on 19 February.

The aircraft were handed over to 1ATU on this day. While in service with 1ATU, the duties included the recovery of vital parts of missiles fired at the Woomera Rocket Range, participation in trials programs and general transport around the range area. The Dept of Supply assumed resposibilty for the three alouettes in 1967 and Civil registrations were VH-UPN, UPO and UPP applied August/September 1967 in place of A5-165, 166 and 167 (something I was not previously aware of).

A more detailed history of the airframes can be found on ADF Serials at 'https://adf-serials.com.au/raaf3/3a5'.

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2. A5-165 Woomera Photo by Owen Hammond.
3. A5-166 John Hopton image P6940-0001.
4. A5-166.
5. A5-167 RAAF Official.
6. A5-167 RAAF Official.
7. A5-167 John Hopton image P6940-00026.
8. A5-167, Aloutte III, llineup of all 3 Woomera 1962 RAAF Official.
9. Alouette III VH-UPN Woomera c.1977.
10. Alouette III VH-UPN Woomera c.1977 Photo by Andrew Dabavich.
11. Alouette III A5-167 taken at RAAF Edinburgh in 1964. Photo Aeroworks via Facebook.
12. Alouette III 3-view

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