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353rd Combat Training Squadron [353rd CTS]

The 353rd Combat Training Squadron is located at Eielson AFB and is responsible for the execution of PACAF's COPE THUNDER air combat exercise, the Pacific-Alaska Range Complex, and maintenance support for aircraft deploying to Eielson for any testing purposes.

Each COPE THUNDER exercise is two weeks in duration employing scenarios designed to replicate combat as closely as possible. These training scenarios are big, intense, and demanding, with packages of over 80 friendly and adversary aircraft airborne at one time. The core of each COPE THUNDER is formed by PACAF fighter units, with units from all Air Forces major commands, sister services, and friendly nations providing aircraft and crews on a space-available basis.

The unit oversees scheduling, operations, and maintenance of three impact areas covering more than 90,000 acres and approximately 60,000 square miles of military training airspace, making it by far the nation's largest contiguous supersonic training area. More than 200 separate targets all covered by remotely operated TV scoring systems, are provided for pilots to sharpen their ground attach skills. Target arrays include convoys, building complexes, and two airfields complete with runways, taxiways, simulated hangars, and dummy aircraft.

The range operates 25 radar threat simulators that provide training in electronic warfare and defensive countermeasures. A recently installed air combat maneuvering-instrumentation (ACMI) range allows pilots to accurately reconstruct complex air-to-air battles.

Although originally designed to support COPE THUNDER deployments the 353 CTS mission has expanded to include support for any aircraft deployed to Eielson for more than an overnight stay. As of January 2000, recent activities supported by the division had included operational test and evaluation of the B-2 and C-17, and NASA atmospheric testing with a specially configured DC-8 while future projects included the testing by NASA of the X-43 Hypersonic Research Aircraft.