Arizona's desert home to the world's largest aircraft boneyard
Every military aircraft eventually reaches the end of its service life. This is not always due to being shot down or damaged; over time, they become outdated. Where do these enormous machines end up after completing their missions and no longer meeting the needs of the modern armed forces? In the United States, these aircraft are sent to the desert in Arizona. There, in Tucson, lies the largest aircraft boneyard in the world, housing approximately 4,000 aircraft.
The American Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG) manages a sprawling 2,590-hectare site that accommodates various types of military aircraft. These machines range from Cold War-era bombers and fighters to modern transport planes. However, AMARG is not just a boneyard. It is also a recycling, maintenance, and renovation hub where aircraft can regain their original functions or serve as a source of parts for other machines.
Arizona is home to the world's largest military aircraft boneyard
In the heart of the desert near Tucson, Arizona, lies the world's largest area dedicated to storing military aircraft retired from service. Here, in the sunny and dry climate, these machines are kept to remain in serviceable condition for the American military. Their technical state remains good enough to be reused when required.
The dry Arizona desert offers ideal conditions for long-term aircraft storage. Low humidity reduces the risk of corrosion, and high temperatures help preserve these machines. These conditions allow aircraft to be stored for many years, and their parts can be used to repair other military machinery.
AMARG's tasks – more than just an aircraft boneyard
While AMARG serves as an aircraft "boneyard," its role extends beyond storing unused machines. Although the United States Air Force will no longer use some of these aircraft, they are still quite capable. In such instances, planes are sometimes repaired and sent to other countries that need operational aircraft but prefer not to invest in new ones.
AMARG is also an extraordinary place for aviation enthusiasts. It houses machines that were part of Cold War history, modern fighters, and transport planes that symbolize the contemporary armed forces. A place with such a "collection" of historical aircraft is unmatched anywhere else.
