|
The C-9A Nightingale is the only aircraft in the USAF inventory
specifically designed for the movement of litter and ambulatory
patients. It serves not only the military, but the Department of Veterans Affairs and civilian
hospitals throughout the world.
Experience gained in the early stages of
American involvement in the Vietnam War highlighted the need for
a medium-range aero-medical transport, and as a relatively
low-cost expedient, an initial order for eight 'off-the-shelf'
commercial McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Series 30 airliners was placed
to be set aside for military conversion. Modifications included
the provision of a special-care compartment, galleys and toilets
fore and aft, and the addition of a third access door with a built-in
hydraulic ramp to facilitate the loading of litters. Accommodation was provided for up to 40 litters and 40
ambulatory patients, two nurses and three aero-medical
attendants.
The first C-9A was rolled out on 17 June 1968
and delivered to Scott AFB two months later; subsequent aircraft
served with the 375th Aeromedical Airlift Wing of MAC (now 375th
AW of AMC), and later with the 55th AAS of the 435th Tactical
Airlift Wing (now 86th AW at Ramstein). Later orders brought the
total deliveries to 21, in addition to three C-9C
executive transports flown by the 89th Military Airlift Wing at
Andrews AFB, MD. In addition to these operators, the C-9 is
flown by the 374th AW at Yokota, while the 73rd AAS is an Air
Force Reserve Associate unit at Scott, supplying aircrews to
augment the active-duty crews.
|
