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FILE PHOTO -- The C-9 is a twin-engine, T-tailed, medium-range, swept-wing jet aircraft used primarily for Air Mobility Command's aeromedical evacuation mission. The Nightingale is a modified version of the McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Corporation's DC-9. It is the only aircraft in the inventory specifically designed for the movement of litter and ambulatory patients. The C-9A's airlift capability to carry 40 litter patients, 40 ambulatory and four litter patients, or various combinations thereof, provides the flexibility for Air Mobility Command's worldwide aeromedical evacuation role. A hydraulically operated folding ramp allows efficient loading and unloading of litter patients and special medical equipment. (U.S. Air Force Photo)
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C-9 Nightingale
Posted 1/30/2004
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The C-9A is a twin-engine, medium-range, swept-wing jet aircraft used primarily for aeromedical evacuation missions.
The Nightingale is a modified version of the McDonnell Douglass DC-9. It is the only aircraft in the Air Force inventory specifically dedicated to the movement of litter and ambulatory patients. The C-9A is capable of carrying 40 litter patients, 40 ambulatory and four litter patients, or various combinations.
A hydraulically operated folding ramp allows for efficient loading and unloading of litter patients and special medical equipment. The plane has ceiling receptacles for securing intravenous bottles, a special care area with a separate ventilation system for patients requiring isolations or intensive care, and 11 vacuum and therapeutic oxygen outlets in sidewall service panels. A 28-volt outlet is located in the special care area, and 22 standard electrical outlets throughout the cabin permit the use of cardiac monitors, respirators, incubators and infusion pumps.
A medical refrigerator preserves whole blood and biological drugs. A medical supply work area is complete with sink, medicine storage section and work table, fore and aft galleys and lavatories. Aft-facing commercial airline-type seats are available for ambulatory patients. A station for a medical crew director includes a desk communication panel and a control panel to monitor cabin temperature, therapeutic oxygen and vacuum system. An auxiliary power unit provides electrical power for uninterrupted cabin air conditioning, quick servicing during stops, and self-starting for the two jet engines.
The C-9A was first deployed in August 1968.
General Characteristics- Primary function: Aeromedical evacuation
- Contractor: McDonnell Douglas Corp.
- Unit cost: $35 million
- Thrust: Two Pratt & Whitney JT8D-9A turbofan engines; 14,500 pounds each engine
- Length: 119 feet 3 inches
- Wingspan: 93 feet 3 inches
- Max takeoff weight: 108,000 pounds
- Range: More than 2,000 miles
- Weight: 65,282 pounds in passenger configuration; 59,706 pounds in cargo configuration
- Ceiling:37,000 feet
- Speed: 656 mph (Mach 0.86) at 25,000 feet
- Crew: Eight (pilot, co-pilot, flight mechanic, two flight nurses, three aeromedical technicians)
Sources compiled from the Air Force News Agency. |
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