Present Day
In 1987, Exercise Purple Warrior forces utilised West Freugh.
West Freugh, now operated by QinetiQ since 2001 is used as a test range for bombs and Air-to-Ground missiles. Its ranges extend over Luce Bay, and an area of land at Torrs Warren.
In 1988 and 1990 its ranges were used to test Phalanx CIWS weapons system with depleted uranium rounds. A subsequent radiological survey of beach, sand and seawater by staff from the Atomic Weapons Establishment concluded that there was no detectable contamination.
Reports have suggested that West Freugh has been used to test British Aerospace's HALO project, a Stealth Strike replacement for the Panavia Tornado GR 4.
RAF West Freugh has also been used on several occasions for exercises by 16 Air Assault Brigade.
Read more about this topic: RAF West Freugh
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