C-9

The McDonnell Douglas C‑9 was a military transport aircraft derived from the civilian DC‑9 jetliner, entering service in 1967. Developed to replace the aging C‑47 and C‑119 transports, the C‑9 provided the United States Air Force and Navy with a fast, reliable short‑haul cargo and passenger platform. Two primary variants were produced: the C‑9A Nightingale, a fully equipped medical evacuation aircraft operated by the Air Force, and the C‑9B, a logistics and personnel carrier used by the Navy and Marine Corps. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney JT8D turbofan engines, the aircraft could cruise at 525 knots and operate from relatively short runways, a key advantage for forward‑area deployments. Its pressurized cabin allowed rapid loading of litters, stretchers, and up to 58 passengers, while a rear cargo door facilitated quick turnaround. Over 150 airframes were built, many of which logged thousands of flight hours in humanitarian missions, disaster relief, and combat support. The C‑9 demonstrated how a commercial airliner could be adapted for military needs, influencing later designs such as the C‑130J and C‑40, and cementing its legacy as a versatile workhorse in modern aviation.

McDonnell Douglas

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Design & Classification