Mission 

The C-9 is a twin-engine, T-tailed, medium-range, swept-wing jet 
aircraft used primarily for Air Mobility Commands aeromedical 
evacuation mission. 

Features

     The Nightingale is a modified version of the McDonnell Douglas 
Aircraft Corporations DC-9. It is the only aircraft in the inventory 
specifically designed for the movement of litter and ambulatory 
patients. 

     The  C-9As capability to carry 40 litter patients, 40 ambulatory 
and four litter patients, or various combinations thereof, provides the 
flexibility for Air Mobility Commands worldwide aeromedical 
evacuation role.

     A hydraulically operated folding ramp allows efficient loading and 
unloading of litter patients and special medical equipment.

The plane has:
l      Ceiling receptacles for securing intravenous bottles.
l      A special care area with a separate ventilation system for patients 
requiring isolation or intensive care.
l      Eleven vacuum and therapeutic oxygen outlets, positioned in 
sidewall service panels at litter tier locations.
l      A 28V DC outlet in the special care area. 
l     Twenty-two 115V AC 60-hertz electrical outlets located 
throughout the cabin permit the use of cardiac monitors, respirators, 
incubators and infusion pumps at any location within the cabin.
l      A medical refrigerator for preserving whole blood and biological 
drugs.
l      A medical supply work area with sink, medicine storage section 
and work table, fore-and-aft galleys, and lavatories.
l     Aft-facing commercial airline-type seats for ambulatory patients.
l      A station for a medical crew director that includes a desk 
communication panel and a control panel to monitor cabin 
temperature, therapeutic oxygen and vacuum system.
l      An auxiliary power unit that provides electrical power for 
uninterrupted cabin air conditioning, quick servicing during stops, 
and self-starting for the twin-jet engines. 

Background

     The 375th Airlift Wing at Scott Air Force Base, IL., operates C-
9A Nightingales for Air Mobility Command.  C-9A's are assigned to 
the 374th Airlift Wing at Yokota Air Base, Japan, for use in the 
Pacific theater.  C-9s also are assigned to the 435th Airlift Wing at 
Rhein-Main Air Base, Germany, for use in the European and Middle 
East theaters.

     The C-9A Nightingale demonstrates its uniqueness and versatility 
daily by its ability to serve not only military, but Department of 
Veterans Affairs and civilian hospitals throughout the world, using 
military and commercial airfields.

General Characteristics

Primary Function: Aeromedical evacuation.
Contractor: McDonnell Douglas Corporation.
Power Plant: Two Pratt & Whitney JT8D-9A turbofan engines.
Thrust: 14,500 pounds (6,525 kilograms) each engine.
Length: 119 feet, 3 inches (35.7 meters).
Wingspan: 93 feet, 3 inches (27.9 meters).
Height: 27 feet, 5 inches (8.2 meters).
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 108,000 pounds (48,600 kilograms).
Range: More than 2,000 miles (1,739 nautical miles).
Ceiling: 35,000 feet (10,606 meters).
Speed: 565 mph (Mach 0.86) at 25,000 feet (7583.3 meters), with 
maximum takeoff weight.
Load: 40 litter patients, four litters and 40 ambulatory patients, or 
other combinations.
Crew: Eight (pilot, co-pilot, flight mechanic, two flight nurses, and 
three aeromedical technicians).
Date Deployed: August 1968.
Unit Cost: $17 million.
Inventory: Active force, 10; ANG, 0; Reserve, 0.

Point Of Contact:
Air Mobility Command; Public Affairs Office; Bldg. 1905, Room 
118; 502 Scott Drive, Scott AFB, IL 62225-5317; DSN  576-5003 
or (618) 256-5003.