SERVICES: Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps
AIR FORCE MISSION:
The C-9A/C is a twin-engine, medium-range, swept-wing jet aircraft used primarily for the Air Mobility Command's aeromedical evacuation mission.NAVY MISSION:
The C-9B Skytrain is used for fleet logistic support, intratheater airlift and airlifting Naval Reservists to and from training sites.FEATURES:
The Nightingale is a modified version of the McDonnell Douglas DC-9. It is the only aircraft in the 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 isolation or intensive care, and eleven 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 through out 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.INVENTORY:
There are 10 Nightingales in the active duty force, 27 C-9B Skytrains assigned to Naval Reserve squadrons and two Skytrains assigned to the Marine Corps.
