A fascinating and enigmatic area that provides a view into the history of aviation and the tales behind retired planes is the world of aircraft graveyards, often known as an aircraft boneyard. Airplane graveyards, or storage sites for retired airplanes, are located all over the world. Let's investigate the history and mystery behind these retired planes.
UK Aeroplane Graveyards
Cotswold Airport, Gloucestershire
The United Kingdom has its share of airplane graveyards, each with its own unique history and collection of aircraft. One such location is Cotswold Airport in Gloucestershire, which serves as a storage and recycling facility for various types of aircraft, including commercial jets and military planes. The airport is known for its eco-friendly approach to dismantling aircraft, aiming to recycle as much as possible.
RAF Shawbury, Shropshire
Another noteworthy site is RAF Shawbury in Shropshire, primarily used by the Royal Air Force for storing out-of-service helicopters. The site is not generally open to the public, but it occasionally hosts open days where aviation enthusiasts can explore the collection.
MOD Saint Athan, Wales
In Wales, the MOD Saint Athan is a significant site for aircraft storage and maintenance. It has served as a resting place for various military aircraft, including Tornadoes and Harriers. The facility also provides guided tours, offering a rare glimpse into the world of aircraft retirement and recycling.
American Airplane Graveyards
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona
The Davis-Monthan Air Force Base near Tucson, Arizona, is a well-known aircraft graveyard. Thousands of military planes, including bombers, transport planes, and fighter jets, are stored here. Tucson's arid desert environment is perfect for storing airplanes because it prevents corrosion and maintains the planes in pristine condition.
Mojave Desert, California
The Mojave Desert in California is home to another well-known airplane graveyard. Hundreds of retired commercial planes from well-known airlines including American, Delta, and United are stored here. Some planes are sold for scrap metal, while others are made into private airplanes or utilised as spare components.
Victorville, California
Victorville, California, provides another interesting look into the world of retired planes. Hundreds of planes, including military planes, retired space shuttles, and passenger planes, call this location home. Some of the airplanes in Victorville have been abandoned in the desert while others are utilized as spare parts or as private jet conversions.
Iconic Retired Planes
Concorde
The Concorde supersonic jet is one of the most fascinating characters in the history of airplane graveyards. The planes were grounded after the catastrophic loss of an Air France Concorde in 2000, and the entire fleet was retired in 2003. The Brooklands Museum in Surrey, UK today houses one of the retired Concorde's as a museum display.
Conclusion
In conclusion, airplane graveyards provide a window into the intriguing world of retired airplanes and the tales behind them. These boneyards are full of secrets and untold stories, from historic military planes to retired commercial planes awaiting their demise. Exploring airplane graveyards is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for everyone interested in aviation or simply inquisitive about this fascinating topic.