Arizona is home to one of the most significant airplane graveyards in the world, the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG), located at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson. This facility, often referred to as “The Boneyard,” spans more than 2,600 acres and holds over 4,400 military and civilian aircraft. The site is famous for its ability to store, preserve, and recycle decommissioned aircraft, making it a critical part of the U.S. military’s aviation ecosystem.
In this article, we will explore the history, operations, and importance of this massive airplane graveyard in Arizona. We will also look into why Arizona’s climate is ideal for aircraft preservation and how AMARG fits into the broader aviation industry.
The History of AMARG and Arizona’s Airplane Graveyard
The history of AMARG dates back to World War II, when the U.S. military needed a place to store surplus aircraft. After the war, the government repurposed the site at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base to store decommissioned planes. Since then, AMARG has grown into the world’s largest aircraft boneyard, where military jets, bombers, transport planes, and helicopters are kept for future use, parts reclamation, or eventual recycling.
World War II and the Beginnings of AMARG
The post-WWII era saw a surplus of military aircraft that were no longer needed. Arizona, with its expansive desert and dry climate, became the perfect location to store these planes. The government established the site in 1946, initially as a temporary holding area for planes awaiting their next assignment. However, the need for aircraft storage persisted, and the site grew into a permanent facility.
During the Cold War, AMARG became a critical part of U.S. military operations. It was not just a graveyard for retired planes but also a place where aircraft could be maintained and refurbished for future missions. The B-52 Stratofortress, a Cold War-era bomber, is one of the most famous aircraft stored at AMARG. Many of these bombers were preserved for potential reactivation in case of future conflicts.
Expansion During the Cold War
During the Cold War, AMARG played a crucial role in maintaining the readiness of U.S. military forces. The facility expanded rapidly to accommodate the growing number of aircraft that were being decommissioned but still considered essential for future use. In times of crisis, planes stored at AMARG could be reactivated, upgraded, and sent back into service.
This era also marked the facility’s transformation from a simple storage yard to a full-scale maintenance and regeneration center. Not only were planes stored here, but they were also refurbished and maintained. Aircraft like the B-52 Stratofortress and F-14 Tomcat have passed through AMARG for refurbishment before returning to active duty.
Why Arizona’s Climate is Perfect for Aircraft Storage
The dry desert climate of Arizona is one of the main reasons AMARG is located in Tucson. The lack of moisture in the air prevents the rapid deterioration of aircraft, which is crucial for preserving these massive machines for long-term storage.
Dry Climate and Its Benefits
Aircraft stored in more humid climates would face serious issues, such as rust and corrosion, which can compromise the structural integrity of the plane. However, the Sonoran Desert, where AMARG is located, offers an arid climate with minimal rainfall. This helps preserve aircraft in their original state for years, if not decades.
Additionally, the hot temperatures in the desert help to keep the planes free from mold and mildew, both of which can be highly damaging to an aircraft’s interior systems. The dry air is also less conducive to the growth of microorganisms that could damage the planes’ electronics and wiring systems.
Ideal Storage Conditions
The natural desert environment in Arizona creates near-ideal conditions for long-term aircraft storage. Planes are carefully positioned in rows, and their exteriors are coated with protective materials to shield them from sun damage. The preservation process ensures that if needed, these aircraft can be quickly reactivated and returned to service.
Aircraft stored at AMARG are carefully monitored and maintained. Some planes are covered in special plastic coatings that prevent moisture from seeping into sensitive components, such as the engines and avionics systems. This process, known as cocooning, helps keep the aircraft in a state of readiness for future use.
Operations and Role of AMARG
AMARG plays a multi-faceted role in the aviation industry. While it is best known as an airplane graveyard, the facility also serves as a key resource for aircraft maintenance, parts reclamation, and recycling. The sheer size and scale of the facility make it a vital part of U.S. military logistics.
Storage and Preservation
The most well-known role of AMARG is aircraft storage. When planes arrive at the facility, they undergo a meticulous preservation process. This process involves removing hazardous materials, draining fuel, and sealing the aircraft with protective coatings. Once this process is complete, the planes are placed in rows, awaiting their next purpose.
- Reactivation: Some planes at AMARG are kept in a state of readiness and can be reactivated if needed. For example, aircraft like the C-5 Galaxy have been taken out of storage, upgraded, and returned to active duty after being stored for years.
- Parts Reclamation: Many of the planes at AMARG are used for parts reclamation. Technicians carefully remove reusable components, such as engines, avionics, and landing gear, which are then used to repair active aircraft.
Aircraft Recycling
When a plane can no longer be used or its parts are no longer valuable, the aircraft is scrapped and its materials are recycled. This process helps reduce waste and provides a steady supply of metal, which can be repurposed for other industrial uses. At AMARG, aircraft recycling is done with great care to ensure that the most valuable materials are recovered.
The recycling process at AMARG is part of a broader effort to make the aviation industry more sustainable. By recycling old planes, the military can reduce its reliance on new materials and lower the environmental impact of decommissioned aircraft.
AMARG’s Role in Modern Military Operations
Although many people view AMARG as just a resting place for old aircraft, its role in modern military operations is significant. Planes stored at AMARG are frequently called back into service, especially during times of heightened military activity.
Fleet Readiness
One of AMARG’s primary missions is to maintain fleet readiness for the U.S. military. Aircraft stored here can be reactivated within a matter of weeks or months, depending on the urgency of the situation. During the Gulf War, for example, several aircraft stored at AMARG were reactivated and sent to the Middle East.
The facility plays an ongoing role in supporting active military operations by providing parts and whole aircraft when needed. Planes such as the KC-135 Stratotanker and B-52 bombers have been restored and reintroduced into the active fleet after long periods of storage.
Supporting Allies
In addition to supporting U.S. military operations, AMARG also assists allied nations. Through various programs, aircraft stored at AMARG have been transferred to allies around the world. For example, fighter jets and transport planes stored in Arizona have been sold or leased to allied nations, providing them with valuable military assets.
Touring the Arizona Airplane Graveyard
While AMARG is an active military facility, civilians can still get a glimpse of this vast airplane graveyard by visiting the nearby Pima Air & Space Museum. The museum offers guided tours of AMARG, allowing visitors to see the rows of aircraft and learn about their history and purpose.
What to Expect on a Tour
Visitors can expect to see hundreds of aircraft from various eras of aviation history. Some of the most famous planes stored at AMARG include the A-10 Warthog, the F-14 Tomcat, and the C-5 Galaxy. Each aircraft has its own story, and many of them have served in conflicts ranging from Vietnam to Operation Desert Storm.
For aviation enthusiasts, a tour of AMARG is a must-see. The sheer scale of the facility and the variety of aircraft make it one of the most unique aviation attractions in the world.
Conclusion: Why Arizona’s Airplane Graveyard is Unique
Arizona’s AMARG is much more than just a storage site for old planes. It plays a critical role in the aviation industry, supporting military readiness, recycling, and sustainability. The combination of Arizona’s ideal climate and the strategic importance of AMARG makes it a key player in the world of aviation.
Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or simply curious about where planes go after their service ends, AMARG offers a fascinating glimpse into the life cycle of an aircraft.