Arizona Airplane Boneyard

Introduction to the Arizona Airplane Boneyard

The Arizona Airplane Boneyard, also known as the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG), is a fascinating facility located at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona. This facility is the largest airplane boneyard in the world, covering an area of over 2,600 acres. The boneyard is a storage facility for thousands of retired military and civilian aircraft, where they are either preserved for potential future use, scrapped for parts, or recycled into raw materials.

History of the Arizona Airplane Boneyard

The Arizona Airplane Boneyard was established in 1946, after World War II, as a storage facility for excess military aircraft. The dry desert climate of Arizona makes it an ideal location for storing aircraft, as it reduces the risk of corrosion and damage from moisture. Over the years, the boneyard has grown to become the largest storage facility for aircraft in the world, with over 4,000 aircraft stored on site.

Types of Aircraft Stored

The Arizona Airplane Boneyard stores a wide variety of aircraft, including: * Military aircraft: fighter jets, transport planes, helicopters, and bombers * Civilian aircraft: commercial airliners, business jets, and general aviation aircraft * Spacecraft: rockets, satellites, and other space-related vehicles The boneyard is also home to a number of historic aircraft, including planes from World War II and the Cold War era.

Preservation and Maintenance

The aircraft stored at the boneyard are preserved using a variety of techniques, including: * Desert storage: the dry desert climate helps to reduce the risk of corrosion and damage from moisture * Sealing: aircraft are sealed to prevent dust and debris from entering the cockpit and cabin * Covering: aircraft are covered with a specialized coating to protect them from the sun and wind * Regular maintenance: aircraft are regularly inspected and maintained to ensure they remain in good condition

Scrapping and Recycling

Not all aircraft stored at the boneyard are preserved for future use. Many are scrapped for parts, which are then used to repair and maintain other aircraft. The boneyard also has a recycling program, which aims to reduce waste and minimize the environmental impact of the facility.

Visitor Information

The Arizona Airplane Boneyard is a popular tourist destination, with thousands of visitors each year. Visitors can take a guided tour of the facility, which includes: * Bus tours: a guided tour of the boneyard, which takes visitors through the storage area and provides information about the aircraft on display * Walking tours: a self-guided tour of the boneyard, which allows visitors to explore the facility at their own pace * Museum exhibits: a number of exhibits and displays, which provide information about the history of the boneyard and the aircraft stored on site

🚀 Note: The Arizona Airplane Boneyard is a restricted area, and visitors must follow all rules and regulations to ensure their safety and the security of the facility.

Interesting Facts

Here are some interesting facts about the Arizona Airplane Boneyard: * The boneyard is home to over 4,000 aircraft, with a total value of over $35 billion * The facility employs over 500 people, who work to preserve, scrap, and recycle the aircraft on site * The boneyard is a major source of parts for the aviation industry, with thousands of parts being salvaged each year * The facility has been used as a film location for a number of movies and TV shows, including Transformers and NCIS

Aircraft Type	Number Stored
F-16 Fighting Falcon	500
C-130 Hercules	200
B-52 Stratofortress	100

The Arizona Airplane Boneyard is a fascinating facility that provides a unique glimpse into the world of aviation. With its rich history, diverse collection of aircraft, and state-of-the-art preservation techniques, the boneyard is a must-see destination for anyone interested in aviation and military history.

To summarize, the Arizona Airplane Boneyard is a large storage facility for retired military and civilian aircraft, where they are preserved, scrapped, or recycled. The facility has a rich history, and it is home to a wide variety of aircraft, including historic planes from World War II and the Cold War era. Visitors can take guided tours of the facility, which provide a unique glimpse into the world of aviation. The boneyard is also an important source of parts for the aviation industry, and it has been used as a film location for a number of movies and TV shows.