McDonnell Douglas DC-9 (likely DC-9-30/40/50 series)

Mitchell 🇺🇸

15 Apr 2026 · © Unknown

Retired McDonnell Douglas DC-9 in yellow 'Fire Training' colors, repurposed for airport emergency response drills.

2 likes 1 comments

Comments (1)

Kiwi Aviation · 16 Apr 2026

Incredible capture!

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McDonnell Douglas McDonnell Douglas DC-10

Aircraft

DC-9 (likely DC-9-30/40/50 series) DC9

Fire Training (non-airline, airport training livery)

Airline

N/A - fire training (not an airline)

Manufacturer

McDonnell Douglas

Achievements

Rare Bird, Vintage Voyager, Livery Legend

3 badges earned

Location

Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field

MSP/KMSP

44.8801, -93.2217

Open map

Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field MSP

Airport

Insights

Aviation History

The DC-9 was a major short-haul jetliner produced from 1965 to 1982, a predecessor to the MD-80/90 family; once common, now mostly retired.

Fleet Rarity

No DC-9s remain in scheduled passenger service; a few are used for cargo, charter, or auxiliary purposes. Fire training hulks are rare.

Record Flights

The DC-9 was primarily used on high-frequency short/medium-haul flights in the US, Europe, and globally.

Safety & Events

The DC-9 has a long operational history with several notable incidents; the pictured airframe has been converted for fire training and is no longer operational.

Future Outlook

Preserved as a fire training airframe; will not return to flying service.

Specifications

Pratt & Whitney JT8D

Engine

28.4 m

Wingspan

36.37 m (DC-9-50; earlier variants shorter)

Length

2,370 km

Range

870 km/h

Speed

139 passengers (DC-9-50 maximum typical, varies by series)

Capacity

54,883 kg

MTOW

8.4 m

Height

62.3 kN (JT8D-15 variant, per engine)

Thrust

Approx. 95-98 dB (Stage 2/3, varies by series)

Noise