Aircraft Research and Development Unit RAAF

The Royal Australian Air Force's Aircraft Research and Development Unit (ARDU) was responsible for the test and evaluation of aircraft, weapons and navigation aids 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 near Woomera, South Australia.

In 2003, ARDU was re-formed into the Aerospace Operational Support Group (AOSG), incorporating several additional operational support roles including those relating to flight testing. ARDU is now located at RAAF Base Edinburgh in Adelaide, South Australia, and RAAF Base Amberley in Brisbane, Queensland. The squadrons are run by the RAAF but Australian Army personnel also work within the unit flying Black Hawk and Tiger helicopters.