The Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) is a U.S. Army base located in eastern Maryland engaged in weapons and munitions testing, evaluation, research, development, engineering, and training. The history of the facility dates to 1917, and today spans 113 square miles.
Over the years, a number of aircraft and helicopters used in airframe testing have been stored at the base, including helicopters, B-29s, X-19, C-54, C-130 and A-7s. Once planes are finished their testing assignment, they are either scrapped or transferred to an aviation museum.
No public access to the APG storage area is permitted, as it is on a U.S. military installation. As always, we highly recommend obeying all warning signs and avoiding restricted areas.
The largest boneyard in the world, used solely for military aircraft, is the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base AMARG facility in Tucson, Arizona.
Many of the B-29 Superfortresses restored and on display today were saved from China Lake, California and the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, two of the final storage locations for Superfortresses. Many in storage were destined for target practice. Among those rescued from Aberdeen:
U.S. Army Garrison Public Affairs Office
Building 305, West Wing
Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-5001
Phone: 410-278-1147, DSN: 298-1147
Web Aberdeen Proving Ground Official Website
Aerial view of the aircraft and helicopter boneyard at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland |