Thursday, Feb 2 we decided today that we like this area so much that we have extended our stay here until Feb 15 (at least). It's a beautiful area with perfect temperatures - 60's and 70's in the day and 40's at night and dry. And so much to do.
Today we have finally gotten around to going on a tour of the "Boneyard", (Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center) which is right across the street from the RV park.
There are over 4,200 aircraft stored on 2,600 acres of the base.
This location was selected because of the low humidity and the clay-like soil which negates the need to build expensive taxiways and pads for the aircraft. They are able to be towed around and stored on the natural soil.
The aircraft are covered in a vinyl coating to protect the systems and interior.
Some of the aircraft are stored in near-flyable conditions, others are used for parts, some are stored awaiting disposal or recycled materials, and some are sold, primarily to foreign countries.
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| Something is different about one of these airplanes |
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| C-130's |
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| Bad looking KC-135's |
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| F-16's |
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| C-5 |
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| B-1 |
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| T-38, the same plane I flew in pilot training |
It is interesting to reflect on the history and missions of these aircraft. They have flown thousands of hours to all parts of the world, supporting war and peace for decades. Some have been very successful in accomplishing their designed missions (i.e. B-52 nuclear delivery platform) and were transformed for a mission that their designers had not thought of (i.e. B-52 delivering conventional weapons). The B-52, along with a very few other aircraft have outlived their design limits and been rebuilt to continue. The first B-52 flew in 1952, and the last one was built in 1962, and they are still flying and are likely to fly for decades to come.
Other aircraft (B-1 and many others) have had very short lifespans and have come and gone quickly.
But they all end up here.
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