Explore the “Boneyard” – America’s Retired Aircraft Cemetery

The Boneyard in Arizona: Where Aircraft Rest and Resurrect

In the desert of Tucson, Arizona, lies The Boneyard, the world’s largest aircraft storage and preservation facility. Officially known as the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG), this massive site at Davis–Monthan Air Force Base spans over 2,600 acres and houses more than 4,000 retired military and government aircraft.

The Purpose of the Boneyard

The arid climate of Arizona, with its low humidity and minimal rainfall, makes it an ideal location for preserving aircraft. Planes stored here range from iconic B-52 bombers to F-14 fighter jets, along with cargo planes, tankers, and even NASA equipment. Many aircraft are kept for spare parts, while others are preserved in case they’re ever needed again.

A Glimpse into Aviation History

Walking (or flying) over The Boneyard feels like stepping into a living aviation museum. Each plane represents a chapter in military and aerospace history, from Cold War relics to more recent technology. Some are carefully maintained and can be restored to flying condition, while others await dismantling or recycling.

Accessibility and Fascination

While The Boneyard is located within a restricted military base, guided tours are available through the nearby Pima Air & Space Museum. Visitors can marvel at the sheer scale of the operation and get a closer look at the planes that once dominated the skies. The site has also become a popular subject on satellite imagery platforms like Google Earth, where its neatly organized rows of aircraft are visible from space.