Where is the aircraft boneyard?

Where is the Aircraft Boneyard?

The aircraft boneyard, also known as a graveyard or storage facility, is a place where retired or surplus aircraft are stored, maintained, and sometimes restored or scrapped. These facilities are crucial for the aviation industry, as they help to manage the inventory of aircraft, reduce costs, and provide a safe and controlled environment for maintenance and repair.

What is an Aircraft Boneyard?

An aircraft boneyard is a large storage facility where aircraft are stored, often in a controlled environment, to prevent damage, corrosion, and theft. These facilities are typically located near airports or airbases, and are designed to accommodate a wide range of aircraft types and sizes.

Where are the Major Aircraft Boneyards Located?

There are several major aircraft boneyards located around the world, each with its own unique characteristics and capabilities. Here are some of the most well-known aircraft boneyards:

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• Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, USA: This is one of the largest aircraft boneyards in the world, with over 4,000 aircraft stored on site. The base is operated by the US Air Force and is used to store and maintain aircraft from the US military and other countries.
• Mojave Air and Space Port, California, USA: This private airfield is home to a large aircraft boneyard, with over 1,000 aircraft stored on site. The facility is used by private companies, museums, and individuals to store and maintain their aircraft.
• Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées Airport, France: This airport is home to a large aircraft boneyard, with over 500 aircraft stored on site. The facility is used by the French military and private companies to store and maintain their aircraft.
• RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, UK: This Royal Air Force base is home to a large aircraft boneyard, with over 200 aircraft stored on site. The facility is used by the RAF and other countries to store and maintain their aircraft.
• Jabara Air Base, Kuwait: This air base is home to a large aircraft boneyard, with over 100 aircraft stored on site. The facility is used by the Kuwaiti military and private companies to store and maintain their aircraft.

What Types of Aircraft are Stored in a Boneyard?

Aircraft boneyards store a wide range of aircraft, including:

• Military aircraft: Fighter jets, bombers, transport planes, and helicopters from various countries and military branches.
• Commercial aircraft: Retired passenger jets, cargo planes, and other commercial aircraft from airlines and leasing companies.
• General aviation aircraft: Private planes, business jets, and other general aviation aircraft from individuals and companies.
• Historic aircraft: Vintage planes, warbirds, and other historic aircraft from museums and collectors.

What Happens to Aircraft in a Boneyard?

Aircraft stored in a boneyard can undergo a variety of activities, including:

• Maintenance and repair: Aircraft are maintained and repaired to extend their lifespan and make them airworthy again.
• Storage: Aircraft are stored in a controlled environment to prevent damage, corrosion, and theft.
• Scraping: Aircraft are scrapped and dismantled for parts or recycled.
• Restoration: Aircraft are restored to their original condition or modified for use in museums, film, or other purposes.
• Sale: Aircraft are sold to new owners, either domestically or internationally.

Table: Aircraft Boneyard Statistics

Conclusion

In conclusion, an aircraft boneyard is a critical facility for the aviation industry, providing a safe and controlled environment for aircraft maintenance, storage, and disposal. With several major aircraft boneyards located around the world, these facilities play a vital role in managing the inventory of aircraft and reducing costs. Whether you’re a military organization, commercial airline, or private individual, an aircraft boneyard can be a valuable resource for storing and maintaining your aircraft.