McDonnell Douglas - DC-9

Designed to operate from short runways and on short- to medium-range routes, the DC-9 airframe has produced many variants, including five DC-9s, the MD-80 series, MD-90 and B717. All DC-9 series aircraft have built-in boarding stairs for use where jetways are not available. The low ground clearance puts the lower deck cargo bays at waist height, to allow loading and unloading without a conveyor or loading platform.

The five DC-9 series aircraft are:

Series 10: The first in the twinjet family, the fuselage length of the Series 10 DC-9 is 104.4 feet (31.8 m), accommodating up to 90 passengers with 600 cubic feet (16.9 m3) of cargo space below the floor. Wingspan is 89.4 feet (27.2 m). Engines can be JT8D-5s or JT8D-7s, with takeoff thrust ratings up to 14,000 pounds.

Series 20: The DC-9 Series 20, although numbered second in the sequence of models, actually is the fourth member of the family. This high-performance version was announced in December 1966, and the first delivery was made in December 1968. The Series 20 is designed for operation from very short runways. It combines the fuselage of the DC-9 Series 10 with a high-lift wing developed for the Series 30. Power is provided by two JT8D-9s with 14,500 pounds thrust each, or 15,000-pound JT8D-11s.

Series 30: Fuselage of the Series 30 DC-9, actually second developed, is nearly 15 feet longer than the Series 10, at 119.3 feet (36.3 m), providing seats for up to 115 passengers and cargo space to 895 cubic feet (25.3 m3). Series 30 wingspan was increased to 93.3 feet (28.4 m), and a high-lift wing system of leading edge slats gives the Series 30 excellent short-field performance. The first of the type began airline service in February 1967. Most of the Series 30s are powered by either JT8D-7 or JT8D-9 engines. Others are equipped with JT8D-11 or the JT8D-15, with 15,500 pounds of thrust. The Series 30 is the most widely used member of the DC-9 family, accounting for approximately 60 percent of the entire fleet.

Series 40: To again meet airline demands for a DC-9 with more capacity, the Series 40 was developed with a fuselage length of 125.6 feet (38.3 m). Seating is available for up to 125 passengers, 10 more than the popular Series 30s. Below-floor cargo space totals 1,019 cubic feet (28.8 m3). The Series 40 uses the same wing as the Series 30. Series 40 engines are JT8D-9s, JT8D-11s or JT8D-15s. The model entered service in March 1968.

Series 50: The fifth and largest DC-9 version is extended to 133.6 feet (40.7 m) long, permitting installation of five more rows of seats than the Series 30. Maximum passenger capacity is up to 139, with cargo capacity increased similarly. Wingspan is the same as for the Series 30. Engines are either JT8D-15s or JT8D-17s, which are rated at 16,000 pounds. Airline operations with the Series 50 began in August 1975.

SPECIFICATION

First flight: 25 February 1965
Wingspan: 89 ft. 4 in. / 27.3 m -or- 93 ft. 3 in. / 28.5 m
Length: 104 ft. 4 in. / 31.8 m - 133 ft. 5 in. / 40.7 m
Height: 27 ft. 5 in. / 9.38 m
Ceiling: 35,000 ft.
Range: 1,100 nm / 2,036 km - 1,607 nm / 2,977 km
MTOW: 49,900 lbs / 22,635 kg - 61,880 lbs / 28,068 kg
Power plant: Two Pratt & Whitney JT8D-7/9/15/17
Speed: 503 knots / 931 km/h / 0.76 mach
Crew: 2
Accommodation: 80 to 90 in two or one class configuration