There’s something you probably don’t know about the world’s largest aircraft boneyard in Arizona with 3,000 planes
- The world’s largest aircraft boneyard sits in Arizona, US
- However, planes don’t simply go there to ‘die’
- A team of 800 mechanics works to preserve and restore aircraft
Published on Oct 14, 2024 at 4:40 PM (UTC+4)
by Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
Last updated on Oct 15, 2024 at 3:11 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Tom Wood
While you might think you understand all there is to know about the world’s largest aircraft boneyard in Arizona, US, turns out planes don’t just go there to ‘die’.
The 309th Aerospace Maintenance & Regeneration Group preserves over 3,000 aircraft.
However, the planes are sometimes refurbished and brought back into service.
A team of 800 mechanics works year-round to preserve and restore the aircraft in the hope they’ll fly again.
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World’s largest aircraft boneyard
Shared by aerospace and defense content creator Sam Eckholm, the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona houses over 3,000 military aircraft across 2,600 acres.
However, if you think it’s merely a yard where planes go to rust and molder, it’s actually much more than that.
It’s part storage site and part crucial resource for the US military.
In fact, a dedicated team of 800 mechanics works to preserve and repurpose the aircraft that end up there.
Meanwhile, in North Carolina, this airport in the middle of nowhere is home to an apocalyptic aircraft boneyard.
What they do there
Arriving aircraft first undergo a detailed preparation process before they are stored long-term.
The process includes engine flushing, washing, and sealing before being towed to their designated spots.
This is done in the hope that they’ll stay in good condition for future use.
Over 9,000 valuable parts are reclaimed annually to repair and upgrade active aircraft.
The aircraft boneyard features icons of the skies including the EB-57 Canberra and B-52 bombers.
These two aircraft were modified for arms reduction treaties, making them important for spare parts and sustaining military operations for the future.
A lot of people don’t know that New Mexico has a huge, fascinating aircraft boneyard.
Across the Atlantic, the ‘most notable aircraft boneyard’ is where planes go to die and then be recycled.
With a dual English and French degree and NCTJ diploma, Amelia began her career doing award-winning writing and editing for titles and brands spanning Women's Health, the Telegraph, Boots, and Vitality. Amelia joined the SB Media family in September of 2023, bringing her expertise in SEO and reader takeaway. As Lead Editor, her superpower is translating technical jargon about the mechanical workings of a supercar into a shareable story.
