Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona |
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Info Box |
On a vacation trip to the west coast
of the United States in spring 2001, I had the chance to visit the Aerospace
Maintenance and Recovery Center (AMARC) at Davis Monthan Airforce Base,
located in Tucson, Arizona.
The aim of the AMARC is to store surplus and retired aircraft from all branches of the service. The Arizona desert is ideal for long term storage due to the warm and dry climate. Aircraft sent to AMARC are processed for long-term storage with all their sensitive instruments and high-value items removed for safekeeping. The airframes are drained and purged of fuel, oil, and hydraulic fluid. Windows, doors, and hatches are sealed with protective material, but vents and aircraft undersides are left open to avoid condensation. Most of the older aircraft transferred to this facility are "cannibalized" (stripped for spare parts) and eventually scrapped. That's why the AMARC often is called a "boneyard", which isn't really true, because almost 90% of the modern aircraft stored here, will return to service. The total number aicraft in storage right now is around 5000. Unfortunately the only way to visit this facility is by a tour bus, which isn't ideal for taking photos, but is an experience you don't want to miss. There is also a very good unofficial site dedicated to the AMARC: The AMARC experience |