The world's largest airplane graveyard.

The US state of Arizona is home to the world's largest decommissioned aircraft boneyard. The dry climate and low humidity create ideal conditions for their storage.

The world's largest aircraft boneyard is located within the city limits of Tucson, Arizona: according to unofficial estimates, nearly 4,500 aircraft are stored there. This wealth is estimated to be worth over $35 billion.

Arizona was chosen for a reason: the dry climate allows mothballed aircraft to survive for decades, and the flat, hard ground allows for the storage of "reinforcements" with virtually no site preparation.

Some of the aircraft in the boneyard can be restored and have every chance of being returned to service, while the rest serve as spare parts donors or are sold to countries friendly to the US. Therefore, the storage facility is extremely carefully guarded. Only hopelessly obsolete or completely damaged aircraft are recycled.

Every year, Tucson's fleet grows by 400 aircraft, and roughly the same number are sold. Thus, the airbase is a serious commercial project, reportedly generating $11 for every investment.