The DC-9 was designed specifically to operate from short runways and on short- to medium-range routes so that the speed, comfort and reliability of jet transportation could be extended to communities previously served only by propeller-driven airliners.
The DC-9 has a distinctive high-level horizontal stabilizer atop the rudder, commonly called a "T" tail. Two engines mounted on the aft fuselage power the aircraft at cruising speeds exceeding 500 mph (800 km/h) and altitudes over 30,000 feet (9,144 m).
Design, development and production of the DC-9 was centered in Long Beach, Calif., where 976 of the twin jets were built during an 18-year production run.

The DC-9 cockpit is designed for a two-member crew.
Passenger cabins of the DC-9s are designed for optimum passenger comfort and convenience. A "wide look" interior introduced in 1973 provides a greater feeling of spaciousness than in earlier models and offers enclosed overhead racks for carry-on bags.
More than 976 DC-9s were built, including 47 C-9 versions for military customers.