Douglas
developed the DC-9 as a short range airliner to complement
the larger DC-8 The DC-9 first flew in 1965.
The DC-9 was designed to allow for stretched
versions. The initial Series 10 accommodated up to 90
passengers. The final DC-9 Series 50 seated a maximum of 139.
McDonnell acquired Douglas in 1967. In 1977
McDonnell Douglas launched the DC-9 Super 80. This aircraft
received the MD-80 designation when the company adopted a new system
of MD designations in 1983.
C-9: U.S. Military transport
version. The aeromedical version (C-9A) is known as the Nightingale.
The standard transport (C-9B) is known as the Skytrain II.
