The Aircraft Boneyard

Each aircraft is taped and sealed with sealant designed to keep animals out, reduce corrosion and keep the aircraft about 10 degrees cooler than outside temperatures. The sealant can easily be removed.

Engines stored in engine cans are sealed with nitrogen to prevent corrosion caused by oxygen.

Regeneration means returning the aircraft back to service.

For example, two B-1B Lancer heavy bombers in the boneyard were returned to the Air Force and are now flying again. Also, C-23 Army Sherpas were regenerated and given to the U.S. Forest Service, and B-57 Canberra bombers were given to NASA for high-altitude coverage, like following in the path of last year's eclipse.

Some aircraft are regenerated into unmanned aerial targets. Nearly 1,100 aircraft — F-102 Delta Daggers, F-100 Super Sabres, F-106 Delta Darts, F-4 Phantom IIs and F-16 Fighting Falcons — have been processed for drone conversion in the 48 years since the program began.

In the past year, about 10,000 parts worth around $500 million were given back to the services. Had those parts been purchased new, they would have cost much more. The ordering process would have taken a longer time as well.

The boneyard is often the only source of parts since some aircraft are no longer manufactured.

When the aircraft and its parts are no longer needed, they are disposed of safely.

Contractors shred the aircraft and sort through the shreds for aluminum, copper and exotic metals. These valuable materials cover the costs of shredding. If the salvaged metals are worth more than the cost of shredding, the contractors send a check to the Treasury Department.

Sometimes an aircraft will need a weapons system or structural repair. Technicians, engineers and mechanics install upgrades, and the aircraft is returned to the force.

The boneyard also stores aircraft for over 80 customers, such as the Department of Homeland Security, NASA, the National Science Foundation, the Smithsonian Institution and the U.S. Forest Service. It also stores aircraft for allied nations.