Davis Monthan Afb Boneyard

The Davis Monthan Air Force Base, located in Tucson, Arizona, is a significant military facility in the United States. One of its most fascinating aspects is the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG), commonly referred to as the "Boneyard." This facility is responsible for storing and maintaining thousands of retired military aircraft, making it a unique and intriguing destination for aviation enthusiasts and historians alike.

The Boneyard's primary purpose is to store and preserve aircraft for potential future use, as well as to harvest parts from retired planes to support active aircraft. The facility's dry desert climate, low humidity, and hard soil make it an ideal location for storing aircraft, minimizing the risk of corrosion and damage. The Boneyard is a massive facility, covering over 2,600 acres and housing more than 4,000 aircraft, including planes, helicopters, and even spacecraft.

The history of the Boneyard dates back to 1946, when the US military began storing surplus aircraft at the Davis Monthan Air Force Base. Over the years, the facility has grown and evolved, with the 309th AMARG taking over operations in 2007. Today, the Boneyard is a critical component of the US military's logistics and maintenance operations, providing a vital source of spare parts and supporting the development of new aircraft technologies.

Davis Monthan Afb Boneyard Operations

The Boneyard's operations are complex and multifaceted, involving a range of activities from aircraft storage and maintenance to parts harvesting and redistribution. The facility is divided into several sections, each with its own specific function. The storage area, for example, is where aircraft are parked and secured, while the maintenance area is where planes are repaired and refurbished. The parts harvesting section is where technicians remove usable components from retired aircraft, which are then redistributed to support active planes.

The Boneyard is also home to a range of specialized facilities, including paint shops, machine shops, and testing facilities. These facilities enable the 309th AMARG to perform a wide range of tasks, from repainting aircraft to overhauling engines. The Boneyard's capabilities are further enhanced by its proximity to other military facilities, including the nearby Air National Guard base and the US Army's Fort Huachuca.

Aircraft Storage and Maintenance

The Boneyard's aircraft storage and maintenance operations are critical to its mission. The facility uses a range of techniques to preserve aircraft, including sealing engines and cockpits, covering windows and canopies, and applying protective coatings to metal surfaces. These measures help to prevent corrosion and damage, ensuring that aircraft remain airworthy for extended periods.

The Boneyard's maintenance operations are equally impressive, with technicians performing a range of tasks from routine inspections to major overhauls. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, including computerized diagnostic systems and specialized tooling. This enables the 309th AMARG to perform complex repairs and maintenance tasks, supporting the US military's global operations.

Boneyard Tours and Visitation

The Boneyard is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world. The facility offers guided tours, which provide a unique insight into its operations and history. Visitors can see thousands of aircraft up close, including iconic planes like the B-52 Stratofortress and the F-4 Phantom.

The Boneyard's tour program is operated by the Pima Air and Space Museum, a non-profit organization that supports the facility's educational and preservation efforts. The museum offers a range of tours, from basic guided tours to more specialized experiences, such as the "Boneyard" tour, which takes visitors deep into the storage area.

Pima Air and Space Museum

The Pima Air and Space Museum is a world-class facility that showcases the history of aviation and space exploration. The museum features a vast collection of aircraft and spacecraft, including many rare and historic examples. Visitors can see everything from early biplanes to modern fighter jets, as well as a range of spacecraft, including a Apollo command module.

The museum also offers a range of interactive exhibits and displays, providing a hands-on experience for visitors. These exhibits include flight simulators, virtual reality experiences, and interactive displays that explore the science and technology of flight. The museum's educational programs are equally impressive, with a range of activities and workshops designed to inspire and educate students of all ages.

Davis Monthan Afb Boneyard Facts and Figures

The Boneyard is a fascinating facility, with a range of interesting facts and figures. Here are a few examples:

The Boneyard stores over 4,000 aircraft, including planes, helicopters, and spacecraft.
The facility covers over 2,600 acres, making it one of the largest aircraft storage facilities in the world.
The Boneyard's dry desert climate and low humidity make it an ideal location for storing aircraft, minimizing the risk of corrosion and damage.
The facility is home to a range of specialized facilities, including paint shops, machine shops, and testing facilities.
The Boneyard's technicians perform a range of tasks, from routine inspections to major overhauls, supporting the US military's global operations.

Boneyard Statistics

The Boneyard's statistics are equally impressive, with a range of interesting facts and figures. Here are a few examples:

The facility stores over 100,000,000 pounds of aircraft parts and components.
The Boneyard's annual budget is over $100,000,000, supporting its operations and maintenance activities.
The facility employs over 500 people, including technicians, engineers, and administrative staff.
The Boneyard's storage area is divided into several sections, each with its own specific function.
The facility is home to a range of aircraft, including fighter jets, bombers, and transport planes.

Davis Monthan Afb Boneyard Gallery

The Boneyard is a unique and fascinating facility, with a range of interesting aircraft and equipment on display. Here are a few examples of the types of aircraft that can be seen at the Boneyard:

B-52 Stratofortress: A iconic bomber aircraft that has been in service for over 60 years.
F-4 Phantom: A legendary fighter jet that was used by the US military during the Vietnam War.
C-130 Hercules: A versatile transport plane that has been used for a range of tasks, from cargo transport to medical evacuation.
U-2 Dragon Lady: A high-altitude reconnaissance plane that has been used by the US military for over 60 years.
F-16 Fighting Falcon: A multirole fighter jet that has been used by the US military for over 40 years.

Boneyard Aircraft

The Boneyard is home to a range of aircraft, including planes, helicopters, and spacecraft. Here are a few examples of the types of aircraft that can be seen at the facility:

Fighter jets: The Boneyard stores a range of fighter jets, including the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the F-4 Phantom.
Bombers: The facility is home to a range of bombers, including the B-52 Stratofortress and the B-1B Lancer.
Transport planes: The Boneyard stores a range of transport planes, including the C-130 Hercules and the C-5 Galaxy.
Helicopters: The facility is home to a range of helicopters, including the UH-60 Black Hawk and the AH-64 Apache.
Spacecraft: The Boneyard stores a range of spacecraft, including the Apollo command module and the Space Shuttle.

Davis Monthan Afb Boneyard Image Gallery

Davis Monthan Afb Boneyard FAQs

The Boneyard is a fascinating facility, with a range of interesting facts and figures. Here are a few frequently asked questions about the Boneyard:

What is the Boneyard?

The Boneyard is a facility located at the Davis Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona, where the US military stores and maintains thousands of retired aircraft.

What types of aircraft are stored at the Boneyard?

The Boneyard stores a range of aircraft, including fighter jets, bombers, transport planes, helicopters, and spacecraft.

Can I visit the Boneyard?

Yes, the Boneyard offers guided tours, which provide a unique insight into its operations and history. Visitors can see thousands of aircraft up close, including iconic planes like the B-52 Stratofortress and the F-4 Phantom.

How many aircraft are stored at the Boneyard?

The Boneyard stores over 4,000 aircraft, including planes, helicopters, and spacecraft.

What is the purpose of the Boneyard?

The Boneyard's primary purpose is to store and preserve aircraft for potential future use, as well as to harvest parts from retired planes to support active aircraft.

The Davis Monthan Air Force Base Boneyard is a unique and fascinating facility, with a range of interesting aircraft and equipment on display. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast, a historian, or simply someone who's interested in learning more about the US military, the Boneyard is definitely worth a visit. With its rich history, impressive collection of aircraft, and range of educational programs and activities, the Boneyard is a must-see destination for anyone interested in aviation and military history. So why not plan a visit to the Boneyard today and experience it for yourself? We hope you've enjoyed this article and look forward to hearing your thoughts and comments. Please feel free to share this article with others who may be interested in the Davis Monthan Air Force Base Boneyard.