The Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, located in Tucson, Arizona, is home to what is commonly referred to as the "airplane graveyard" or officially known as the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG). "The Mojave Air and Space Port and industrial park in the California desert is home to more than 60 companies engaged in flight development, highly advanced aerospace design, flight test and research, the wind industry, and heavy rail industrial manufacturing."This facility has played a crucial role in the storage, preservation, and eventual disposal of military aircraft for many decades.
Here are some key points and details about the Davis-Monthan "airplane graveyard":
1. Largest Military Aircraft Boneyard: The Davis-Monthan Air Force Base hosts the largest military aircraft boneyard in the world. This facility is where the U.S. military stores and manages surplus andAdd a caption
retired aircraft.
2. Ideal Climate for Preservation: Tucson's climate is particularly well-suited for aircraft storage and preservation. The region experiences low humidity (10%-20%), minimal rainfall (11" annually), and has hard alkaline soil. These conditions help naturally preserve the aircraft, preventing excessive corrosion.
3. High Altitude: The base's high altitude of 2,550 feet also contributes to the preservation of aircraft. The thinner air at this altitude helps slow down the effects of weathering and corrosion.
4. Preservation for Reuse: Aircraft stored at Davis-Monthan are often preserved for cannibalization (removing useful parts for other aircraft) or possible reuse. This is especially valuable for aircraft that may be brought back into service in the future or for spare parts.
5. Evolution of the Facility: The facility's history dates back to after World War II when it began its role in storing surplus military aircraft. It has evolved over the years and has undergone name changes, such as transitioning from the Military Aircraft Storage and Disposition Center (MASDC) to the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center (AMARC).
6. Relocation of Aircraft: Aircraft have been relocated to Davis-Monthan from other storage facilities, such as Litchfield Park in Phoenix, as part of consolidation efforts by the Department of Defense.
7. Korean War and Beyond: Some of the stored aircraft, such as B-29 Superfortresses, were returned to service during the Korean War. This demonstrates the flexibility and utility of having a centralized storage and preservation facility for military aircraft.
8. Scrap and Recycling: While some aircraft have been preserved or reused, many have been scrapped, with their metal components melted down and sold as scrap metal.
9. Continuous Operations: The Davis-Monthan "airplane graveyard" continues to be operational, serving as a vital facility for the U.S. military's aircraft storage and preservation needs. This facility is not only significant for its role in military aviation history but also as a testament to the value of effective aircraft storage and preservation, ultimately contributing to cost savings and military readiness. "The Airpark is open to the public. However, there are though two distinct sides to the airport just like most others. The Airside which is the side where the planes are parked, the runway, and other areas that are dangerous or off limits for security reasons, and the Landside which is generally accessible to anyone."
"When the aircraft first arrive at the 309th AMARG, they are welcomed by the receiving branch. This group's responsibilities include reviewing the carrier's paperwork – an entire history of documentation including noted maintenance over the years. Next, the aircraft is stripped of firearms (all guns), ejection seat charges, clocks, and classified hardware. Following the cavity cleanse is a nice long bath. This wash is especially important for vehicles that served in salty areas. The salt must be fully removed so it does not corrode the exterior while in storage. Sequentially, the fuel system is drained, filled with lightweight oil, then drained again. This will coat the system with a protective oil film. The aircraft is finally sealed off from dust, high temperatures, and sunlight. A variety of techniques are used, from spraylat (an opaque, white, high-tech vinyl plastic compound spray) to garbage bags. The cabin will generally stay within 15 degrees of the outside temperature thanks to the spraylat."
German aerial photographer Bernhard Lang decided to capture the world's largest aircraft graveyard, known as the "Boneyard" or officially the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (309 AMARG), located at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base near Tucson, Arizona. This facility houses a vast collection of 3,150 aircraft, 5,900 engines, and 340,000 pieces of aircraft production tooling. Lang was intrigued by the idea of photographing these retired military planes from an aerial perspective, offering a unique view of the historic, broken aircraft that are no longer in operation. His aerial photos provide a fresh and captivating look at the Boneyard. The project, while initially completed in early March, took on a different tone for Lang in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Despite the facility's connection to military aircraft, Lang found himself emotionally distant from the conflict while photographing the planes from the air. The photographer has previously been drawn to the U.S. Southwest for various projects, showcasing the captivating structures and patterns found in the desert landscape.
You can view more of Bernhard Lang's photos on his website and Instagram.
https://www.visittucson.org/listing/davis-monthan-air-force-base-aircraft-boneyard/1134/https://www.airplaneboneyards.com/davis-monthan-afb-amarg-airplane-boneyard.htmhttps://arizonajourney.org/visiting-tucson-airplane-graveyard-the-boneyard/https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/boneyard-tucson-photos-bernhard-lang-davis-monthan-afb/75-5332bf10-f53c-4a10-b27e-4b62c5ac6108https://www.abc15.com/news/state/the-boneyard-worlds-largest-airplane-graveyard-is-in-tucson-arizona
