All About McDonnell Douglas DC-9

Wikipedia eBay References

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.

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 renamed the Boeing 717-200 after the merger between McDonnell Douglas 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).

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.

eBay Wikipedia References

References eBay Wikipedia

Thanks for visiting and check back soon! PacminFinder