C-9A "Nightingale"

The C-9A Nightingale was the only aircraft in the USAF inventory specifically designed to move litter and ambulatory patients, serving the military services, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and civilian hospitals throughout the world. Experience in the early stages of American involvement in the Vietnam War showed the need for a medium-range aeromedical transport that could be obtained at relatively low cost, leading to an initial order for off-the-shelf McDonnel Douglas DC-9 series 30 airliners to be set aside for military conversion. Modifications included an intensive care section, galleys, an electrical system for cardiac monitors, respirators, incubators, and infusion pumps, and a third access door with a built-in hydraulic ramp to ease the loading of litters. It could accommodate up to 40 litters and 40 ambulatory patients, along with two nurses and three aeromedical attendants. The first C-9 was rolled out on June 17, 1968, and 21 were delivered to Military Airlift Command at Scott AFB, Illinois. The fleet flew more than 3,000 missions annually and airlifted more than 60,000 patients. The aircraft on display served with the 375th Airlift Wing of Air Mobility Command and the 932nd Air Reserve Wing. The C-9 fleet was retired from active duty in 2003 and from reserve status in 2005, and this C-9A is part of the USAF Heritage Program Collection.

Lackland AFB, Texas · United States