Douglas DC-9-20

The Douglas DC‑9‑20 is a shortened, early variant of the popular DC‑9 series that entered service in the mid‑1960s. Developed by the Douglas Aircraft Company as a compact, twin‑engine jet for short‑haul routes, the DC‑9‑20 first flew on 13 August 1965 and was certified the following year. With a fuselage length of 95 feet and a maximum take‑off weight of about 76,000 pounds, it could accommodate 85 passengers in a single‑class configuration. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney JT8D‑15 low‑bypass turbofan engines, the aircraft offered a cruise speed of roughly 530 knots and a range of 1,200 nautical miles, making it ideal for regional airlines and domestic U.S. carriers. Its high‑mounted wing and rear‑engine layout provided excellent ground clearance, allowing operations from relatively short or unpaved runways. The DC‑9‑20’s robust design, simple systems, and low operating costs contributed to its longevity; many examples served more than three decades and later were converted to cargo or personal use. The model helped establish the DC‑9 family as a workhorse of commercial aviation, influencing later designs such as the MD‑80 and Boeing 717 and cementing Douglas’s legacy in the jet age.

Douglas

Classification

Dimensions

Production & History

Design & Classification