What Happens to Old US Military Jets After They Are Decommissioned?

Decommissioned U.S. military jets do not just vanish into thin air. Instead, they embark on a complex journey, often ending up in the ldquo;Boneyardrdquo; where their fate is determined by their usefulness, the nation's needs, and environmental considerations.

Routine Decommissioning Process

The decommissioning process for old military jets follows a well-defined sequence. Initially, the planes are retired from active service, marking the end of their operational life. Some aircraft are stripped of valuable parts, while others are kept in reserve, ready to be reactivated if needed. In some cases, jets may be transferred to the Air National Guard for continued domestic service.

Depending on the age and condition of the aircraft, they may either be immediately scrapped or moved to the Boneyard for parts. For those with a potential for further service, they are often directed to the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base (D-M AFB) in Arizona. Here, they undergo various preservation states to conserve resources:

30-day major overhaul Scrap Museum

Preservation and Reuse

At D-M AFB, the aircraft are prepared with two primary goals in mind: preservation and part utilization. Aircraft in the 30-day overhaul state are kept in a condition that can be returned to operational readiness within a short period. Older planes may be slowly stripped of usable parts, retaining the potential for future refurbishment. Those deemed obsolete are completely dismantled for scrap metal recycling.

The Boneyard, located in the arid climate of Arizona, serves as a repository for parts. The low humidity, warm temperatures, and lack of precipitation help preserve the parked aircraft for extended periods. Many parts from Boneyard aircraft are refurbished and reused, helping to maintain the operational state of other aircraft. For example, pumps, switches, and other components may be removed, refurbished, and installed in newer jets.

Upgrades and Utilization as Targets

In some cases, decommissioned jets are upgraded and used for various purposes:

Converted into flying target drones Offered to allied air forces Utilized as targets on army and air force ranges Melted down for scrap metal Preserved for museums

The ultimate fate of a decommissioned jet depends on the wealth and military strategy of the nation that retires it. Wealthy nations like the United States often direct their jets to D-M AFB, where they are meticulously prepared for potential reuse. Moderate wealth nations like Canada tend to store old aircraft in hangars until they are either sold or scrapped. Poor nations, including many in Africa, simply leave retired jets to deteriorate in place.

Conclusion

The disposal of decommissioned U.S. military jets is a multifaceted process that involves careful consideration of multiple factors. Whether preserved, stripped for parts, upgraded, or scrapped, each aircraft has a significant impact on military strategy and the efficient use of resources. Understanding this process is crucial for anyone interested in the lifecycle of military aircraft and the principles of sustainability in defense expenditure.