Intro
Explore the vast airplane graveyard in Tucson, Arizona, where over 4,000 retired military and civilian aircraft are stored. Learn about the history of the Pima Air & Space Museums adjacent storage facility, the largest airplane boneyard in the world, and the fascinating stories behind the aircrafts final resting place.
Tucson, Arizona, is known for its rich aviation history, and one of the most fascinating attractions in the city is the Tucson Airplane Boneyard, officially known as the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG). This vast storage facility is home to over 4,000 retired military aircraft, making it the largest airplane graveyard in the world.
The Tucson Airplane Boneyard is a 2,600-acre facility located within the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, which has been in operation since 1946. The boneyard was initially established as a storage facility for surplus military aircraft after World War II. Over the years, it has grown to become a graveyard for aircraft from all branches of the US military, as well as from NASA and other government agencies.
The boneyard is a fascinating place to visit, with rows upon rows of aircraft stretching as far as the eye can see. The facility is divided into different sections, each containing aircraft from different eras and branches of the military. Visitors can see everything from vintage World War II bombers to modern fighter jets, all parked in neat rows, awaiting their fate.
History of the Tucson Airplane Boneyard
The Tucson Airplane Boneyard has a rich history that dates back to the early days of aviation. The facility was established in 1946, shortly after the end of World War II, as a storage facility for surplus military aircraft. At the time, the US military had a vast number of aircraft that were no longer needed, and the boneyard was created to store them until they could be sold, scrapped, or reused.
Over the years, the boneyard has grown to become a graveyard for aircraft from all branches of the US military, as well as from NASA and other government agencies. Today, the facility is home to over 4,000 retired military aircraft, making it the largest airplane graveyard in the world.
How the Boneyard Works
The Tucson Airplane Boneyard is a working facility, and aircraft are constantly being added and removed. When an aircraft is retired from service, it is flown to the boneyard, where it is stored until it can be sold, scrapped, or reused. The facility is divided into different sections, each containing aircraft from different eras and branches of the military.
The boneyard is operated by the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG), which is responsible for the storage, maintenance, and regeneration of retired military aircraft. The facility is also home to a number of other organizations, including the US Air Force, the US Navy, and NASA.
Visiting the Tucson Airplane Boneyard
The Tucson Airplane Boneyard is open to the public, and visitors can take a guided tour of the facility. The tour takes visitors through the different sections of the boneyard, where they can see a wide range of aircraft up close. Visitors can also see the restoration process, where aircraft are restored to their former glory.
The tour is guided by knowledgeable staff, who provide a wealth of information about the aircraft and the facility. Visitors can also ask questions and take photos, making the tour a unique and memorable experience.
What to Expect
Visitors to the Tucson Airplane Boneyard can expect to see a wide range of aircraft, including:
- Vintage World War II bombers
- Modern fighter jets
- Transport aircraft
- Helicopters
- Spacecraft
The facility is also home to a number of other attractions, including a museum and a gift shop. Visitors can also take a shuttle bus tour of the facility, which provides a unique perspective on the boneyard.
Gallery of Tucson Airplane Boneyard Images
Tucson Airplane Boneyard Image Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Tucson Airplane Boneyard? A: The Tucson Airplane Boneyard is a storage facility for retired military aircraft, located within the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona.
Q: How many aircraft are stored at the boneyard? A: The boneyard is home to over 4,000 retired military aircraft, making it the largest airplane graveyard in the world.
Q: Can I visit the boneyard? A: Yes, the boneyard is open to the public, and visitors can take a guided tour of the facility.
Q: What can I expect to see on the tour? A: Visitors can see a wide range of aircraft, including vintage World War II bombers, modern fighter jets, transport aircraft, helicopters, and spacecraft.
Q: How long does the tour last? A: The tour typically lasts around 1-2 hours, depending on the number of visitors and the level of interest.
Q: Can I take photos? A: Yes, visitors are allowed to take photos, but please note that some areas of the facility may be restricted.
Q: Is the boneyard open year-round? A: Yes, the boneyard is open year-round, except for certain holidays and special events.
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