The Sidewinder low level course is a section of the R-2508 complex found in the south Mojave Desert area of California. The R-2508 is composed of at least 8 sections and it's flights are co-ordinated principally through Edwards AFB and China Lake NAS and is a large Military Operating Area (MOA). The Sidewinder route in the South East section centered on the Panamint Valley is used for high speed low level training by the USAF, USMC, and USN aircraft. Aircraft in this area fly between 200 feet AGL to FL18.<br />
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The Sidewinder course is challenging and spectacular....and perhaps one day DCS will increase the resolution in this area and make China Lake Airfield active. What makes this area special is that it contains the aptly named Jedi Transition where aircraft can deviate from the clockwise flight plan and cut across the hills and down into the Panamint valley via a deep cut aptly named Star Wars Canyon. There is a parking area nearby called the Father Crowley lookout just off I190 and plane fans come out to catch a glimpses and photograph aircraft transiting through the canyon. There are numerous youtube video's of aircraft going through the Star Wars canyon, which is really named Rainbow Canyon.
