McDonnell Douglas DC-9
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The McDonnell Douglas DC-9 (initially known as the Douglas DC-9) is a family of twin-engine, single-aisle jet airliners, first manufactured in 1965 and in subsequent modified forms as the MD-80, MD-90 and Boeing 717. The final DC-9 was delivered in October 1982. As of May 23, 2006, with the final two deliveries of the Boeing 717 to Midwest Airlines and AirTran Airways, production of the DC-9 aircraft family has ceased after 41 years.
Background
Douglas launched the DC-9 development project in April 1963, intending the DC-9 as a short-range companion to their larger four engined DC-8. Unlike the competing but slightly larger Boeing 727, which used as many 707 components as possible, the DC-9 was an all-new design, using two rear fuselage-mounted Pratt & Whitney JT8D turbofan engines, a small, highly efficient wing, and a T-tail. In most configurations, DC-9 family aircraft have distinctive 5-abreast seating in coach class rather than the more common 6-abreast.The DC-9 prototype flew in February 1965 and entered service with Delta Air Lines in December of that year. It was an immediate commercial success with 976 built when the production ended in 1982. 1980 saw the introduction of the MD-80 series (originally called DC-9-80 series) which was a lengthened DC-9-50 with a higher maximum take-off weight (MTOW) and the ability to carry more fuel. The MD-80 was then developed into the MD-90 series. The MD-90 has IAE V2500 engines and a glass cockpit as does the MD-88. The last variant of the family was the MD-95, which was marketed as the Boeing 717-200 as a result of the merger between MDC and Boeing in 1997.
The DC-9 family is one of the most rugged, longest-lasting aircraft currently in operation. Operator Northwest Airlines still operates a large fleet of DC-9 aircraft, several of which are over 30 years old. That reputation for reliability and efficiency drove strong sales well into the 2000s. With total sales of over 2400 units, the long-lived DC-9 family is one of the most successful jet airliners ever made, ranking third behind the Airbus A320(over 3700), and the Boeing 737(over 6000).
DC-9 series
United States Air Force C-9 Nightingale (Military Version of DC-9)
- DC-9-10 The earliest and smallest DC-9 was 88 ft 7 in (27 m) long and had a maximum weight of 41 tonnes. Power was a pair of 54.5 kN Pratt & Whitney JT8D-5s. One hundred thirty-seven were built.
- The DC-9-15 and DC-9-20 were minor variations on the -10 theme. The -15 added more fuel capacity and higher weights, the -20 used the more powerful engines and improved wings of the -30 to improve hot and high performance. Only a small number of each were made.
- The DC-9-30 was the definitive model with 662 eventually produced and accounting for about 60% of all DC-9 variants produced. The -30 entered service in February 1967 with a 14 ft 9 in (4.50 m) fuselage stretch, wingspan increased by just over 3 feet (0.9 m) and a high-lift wing system of leading edge slats gives the Series 30 excellent short-field performance. Gross take-off weight was increased to 110,000 lb (50,000 kg), and P&W JT8D-9A engines rated at 14,500 lbf (65 kN) of thrust to JT8D-11 rated at 15,500 lbf (69 kN) of thrust. About 380 -30s remained in commercial service in 2002. Many of these –30 (with side cargo door) types were utilized by the Military in C-9A Nightingale medevac configuration for the U.S Air Force and the C-9B Skytrain II version used by the U.S Navy and Marines for fleet logistics support moving both personnel and cargo. Many of the military C-9B types had a higher (114,000 lb or 52,000 kg) maximum gross take-off weight and were fitted with auxiliary fuel tanks installed in the lower cargo hold to augment the aircraft's range to nearly 2,600 miles (4,200 km) for overseas missions along with tail mounted infra-red (IR) scramblers to counter heat seeking missile threats in hostile environments.
- The VC-9C is a VIP transport version of the DC-9-30. Three aircraft were delivered to the US Air Force in late 1976.
- The further stretched DC-9-40 entered service with SAS in March 1968. With a 6ft 6 in (2 m) longer fuselage, accommodation was up to 125 passengers. The -40 was fitted with a variety of Pratt & Whitney engines of between 64.5 and 71 kN. Seventy-one were produced.
- The largest DC-9 to fly under that name was the DC-9-50, which has another 8ft 2 in (2.5) m fuselage stretch and seats up to 139 passengers. It started revenue service in August 1975 and, aside from the size increase, included a number of detail improvements, a new cabin interior, and quieter JT8D-15 or -17 engines in the 70 kN class. McDonnell Douglas delivered 96.
DC-9 military operators
- Italy, Kuwait, United States (Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy).
MD-80 / MD-90 series
The McDonnell Douglas MD-80 and MD-90 are stretched and updated variants of the DC-9. The MD-80 features Pratt & Whitney JT8D engines with a higher thrust rating than those found on the DC-9, while the MD-90 features a glass cockpit (first featured on the MD-88) and new high-bypass International Aero V2500 engines.
Specifications
| DC-9-10 | DC-9-21 | DC-9-30 | DC-9-40 | DC-9-50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passengers (1 class) | 90 | 90 | 115 | 125 | 139 |
| Max. takeoff weight | 90,700 lb (41,100 kg) | 98,000 lb (44,500 kg) | 110,000 lb (49,900 kg) | 114,000 lb (51,700 kg) | 121,000 lb (54,900 kg) |
| Max range | 2,340 km (1,265 nm) | 3,430 km (1,850 nm) | 3,030 km (1,635 nm) | 3,120 km (1,685 nm) | 3,030 km (1,635 nm) |
| Crusing speed | 903 km/h (561 mph) | 896 km/h (557 mph) | 917 km/h (570 mph) | 917 km/h (561 mph) | 898 km/h (558 mph) |
| Length | 31.82 m (104 ft 5 in) | 31.82 m (104 ft 5 in) | 36.37 m (119 ft 4 in) | 38.28 m (125 ft 7 in) | 40.72 m (133 ft 7 in) |
| Wingspan | 27.25 m (89 ft 5 in) | 28.47 m (93 ft 5 in) | 28.47 m (93 ft 5 in) | 28.47 m (93 ft 5 in) | 28.47 m (93 ft 5 in) |
| Tail height | 8.38 m (27 ft 5 in) | ||||
| Powerplants | Two 6,350 kgf (14,000 lbf) | Two 6804 kgf (15,000 lbf) | Two 7031 kgf (15,500 lbf) | Two 7031 kgf (15,500 lbf) | Two 7257 kgf (16,000 lbf) |
| Engine make | Pratt & Whitney JT8D-5 | Pratt & Whitney JT8D-9 | Pratt & Whitney JT8D-15 | Pratt & Whitney JT8D-15 | Pratt & Whitney JT8D-17 |
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