Douglas DC-9-15

The Douglas DC‑9‑15 is a short‑range, twin‑engine jetliner that entered production in the early 1960s as part of the original DC‑9 family, which was developed by the Douglas Aircraft Company (later McDonnell‑Douglas). Designed to serve regional routes and secondary airports, the DC‑9‑15 featured a relatively simple airframe with a low‑mounted, unswept wing, a conventional T‑tail, and two rear‑mounted Pratt & Whitney JT8D turbofan engines. Its fuselage was slightly shortened compared with later variants, offering seating for 85‑100 passengers in a single‑aisle cabin with a 2‑3 configuration. The aircraft’s robust landing gear and high‑lift devices allowed operations from short, unpaved runways, giving airlines flexibility in network planning.

First delivered to Delta Air Lines in 1965, the DC‑9‑15 quickly proved economical to operate, thanks to its low fuel consumption and straightforward maintenance. Its success helped propel the DC‑9 series to become one of the best‑selling jetliners of the era, influencing later designs such as the Boeing 737 and the MD‑80/MD‑90 families. The DC‑9‑15’s legacy endures in modern regional jet concepts, underscoring its pivotal role in establishing efficient short‑haul jet service and shaping commercial aviation’s evolution.

Douglas

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