McDonnell Douglas
McDonnell Douglas C-9B Skytrain II
The McDonnell Douglas C‑9B Skytrain II is a military transport version of the civilian DC‑9 airliner, produced by McDonnell Douglas in the 1970s and 1980s. Developed for the United States Air Force, the C‑9B entered service in 1984 as a versatile cargo and personnel carrier, replacing older C‑130 and C‑141 assets on short‑haul missions. The aircraft retains the twin‑engine, low‑wing configuration of the DC‑9, but is equipped with a reinforced floor, a side‑loading cargo door, and removable passenger seats to accommodate up to 70 troops or 12 pallets of equipment. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney JT8D turbofan engines, the Skytrain II offers a cruise speed of Mach 0.78 and a range of roughly 2,300 nautical miles, enabling rapid intra‑theater logistics. Its reliability, ease of maintenance, and commonality with commercial airlines lowered operating costs and allowed quick access to civilian support infrastructure worldwide. Over its 25‑year operational life the C‑9B proved essential for medical evacuation, humanitarian relief, and rapid deployment, cementing its role as a workhorse that bridged the gap between strategic airlifters and tactical jets in modern air mobility doctrine.
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Classification
Dimensions
- Length
- 1431.5 inch
- Height
- 81 inch
- Wingspan
- 121 inch
Design & Classification
- Country of Origin
- Manufacturer
- McDonnell Douglas
- Nickname
- Skytrain II
- Military Designation
- C-9B
- Engine
- Pratt & Whitney JT8D-9
- Wikidata ID
- Q106364942