The Boneyard, officially known as the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG), is a United States Air Force (USAF) aircraft storage and maintenance facility located in Tucson, Arizona. The facility, which is situated on the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, serves as the primary storage site for the USAF's retired aircraft, as well as those of the US Navy, US Marine Corps, and US Coast Guard. With over 4,000 aircraft currently in storage, the Boneyard is one of the largest aircraft graveyards in the world, covering an area of approximately 2,600 acres.
History of the Boneyard
The concept of the Boneyard dates back to the post-World War II era, when the USAF began to store surplus aircraft in the Arizona desert. The dry and arid climate of the region, with low humidity and minimal rainfall, made it an ideal location for preserving aircraft, reducing the risk of corrosion and extending their lifespan. Over the years, the facility has undergone several expansions and upgrades, with the most significant transformation occurring in the 1960s, when the USAF established the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG) to oversee the storage and maintenance of its aircraft.
Storage and Maintenance Operations
The Boneyard operates under a strict protocol, with each aircraft undergoing a thorough preparation process before being stored. This includes draining fluids, covering engines and windows, and applying a protective coating to prevent corrosion. The aircraft are then arranged in a specific pattern, with the most valuable or historically significant planes stored in a separate area, known as the “Celebrity Row.” The facility also has a team of skilled technicians who perform regular maintenance tasks, such as replacing tires and batteries, to ensure that the aircraft remain airworthy, even after extended periods of storage.
| Aircraft Type | Number in Storage |
|---|---|
| F-16 Fighting Falcon | 234 |
| F-15 Eagle | 167 |
| C-130 Hercules | 145 |
| B-52 Stratofortress | 76 |
| UH-60 Black Hawk | 56 |
Key Points
- The Boneyard is the largest aircraft storage facility in the world, covering an area of approximately 2,600 acres.
- Over 4,000 aircraft are currently in storage, including F-16 Fighting Falcons, F-15 Eagles, and C-130 Hercules.
- The facility operates under a strict protocol, with each aircraft undergoing a thorough preparation process before being stored.
- The Boneyard has a team of skilled technicians who perform regular maintenance tasks to ensure that the aircraft remain airworthy.
- The facility plays a critical role in the USAF's aircraft management strategy, allowing the service to store and maintain a large inventory of aircraft, which can be quickly reactivated in times of need.
Environmental Considerations
The Boneyard has been the subject of environmental concerns in recent years, with some critics arguing that the facility’s storage practices pose a risk to the surrounding ecosystem. However, the USAF has implemented various measures to minimize the facility’s environmental impact, including the use of environmentally friendly coatings and the implementation of a comprehensive waste management program. Additionally, the facility is subject to regular inspections and audits to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Security and Access
The Boneyard is a secure facility, with access restricted to authorized personnel and visitors. The facility is surrounded by a perimeter fence, and security personnel are stationed at the entrance to monitor and control access. Visitors are required to undergo a thorough screening process, which includes a background check and a briefing on the facility’s security protocols.
The Boneyard is a unique and fascinating facility, offering a glimpse into the history and operations of the USAF. With its vast collection of aircraft and cutting-edge maintenance facilities, the Boneyard plays a critical role in the USAF's aircraft management strategy, ensuring that the service is always ready to respond to emerging threats and challenges.
What is the purpose of the Boneyard?
+The Boneyard is a storage and maintenance facility for the USAF's retired aircraft, as well as those of the US Navy, US Marine Corps, and US Coast Guard. The facility allows the USAF to store and maintain a large inventory of aircraft, which can be quickly reactivated in times of need.
How many aircraft are currently in storage at the Boneyard?
+Over 4,000 aircraft are currently in storage at the Boneyard, including F-16 Fighting Falcons, F-15 Eagles, and C-130 Hercules.
What measures has the USAF taken to minimize the facility's environmental impact?
+The USAF has implemented various measures to minimize the facility's environmental impact, including the use of environmentally friendly coatings and the implementation of a comprehensive waste management program.
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