CRJ 900 vs DC-9

By: Rocco · June 23, 2023

Comparing the Bombardier CRJ 900 vs the McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30? Start with the quick spec breakdown below, then dive into the story for the bigger picture.

Bombardier CRJ 900
Light Passenger Jets
Bombardier CRJ 900
McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30
Mid Size Passenger Jets
McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30

General

Units
Bombardier CRJ 900
Manufacturer
Bombardier
ICAO code
CRJ9
Produced
2001–Present
Price
$46.5 million (1900)
Engine
Engine type
-
Thrust
13,123 lbf · 58 kN -56% (total)
Avionics
Rockwell Collins ProLine 4
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
38 economy · 20 business · 12 first
McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30
Manufacturer
McDonnell Douglas
ICAO code
DC93
Produced
1965–1982
Price
Engine
2 × JT8D-11
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
2 × 15,000 lbf · 67 kN +129% (total)
Avionics
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
115

Dimensions

Bombardier CRJ 900
Cabin width
8 ft 5 in 2.57 m 8 ft 5 in 2.57 m -18%
Cabin height
6 ft 2 in 1.89 m 6 ft 2 in 1.89 m -8%
Cabin length
69 ft 5 in 21.16 m 69 ft 5 in 21.16 m -7%
Exterior length
119 ft 5 in 36.40 m 119 ft 5 in 36.40 m +0%
Tail height
Fuselage diameter
8 ft 10 in 2.69 m 8 ft 10 in 2.69 m -20%
Wing span
81 ft 6 in 24.85 m 81 ft 6 in 24.85 m -13%
Baggage volume
82 ft 7 in 25.17 m 82 ft 7 in 25.17 m -1%
McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30
Cabin width
10 ft 3 in 3.12 m 10 ft 3 in 3.12 m +21%
Cabin height
6 ft 9 in 2.05 m 6 ft 9 in 2.05 m +8%
Cabin length
74 ft 9 in 22.79 m 74 ft 9 in 22.79 m +8%
Exterior length
119 ft 3 in 36.36 m 119 ft 3 in 36.36 m 0%
Tail height
27 ft 11 in 8.50 m 27 ft 11 in 8.50 m
Fuselage diameter
11 ft 0 in 3.35 m 11 ft 0 in 3.35 m +25%
Wing span
93 ft 4 in 28.44 m 93 ft 4 in 28.44 m +14%
Baggage volume
83 ft 0 in 25.30 m 83 ft 0 in 25.30 m +1%

Weights

Bombardier CRJ 900
Max payload
23,300 lb 10,600 kg 23,300 lb 10,600 kg -23%
Fuel capacity
2,897 gal 10,967 L 2,897 gal 10,967 L -21%
Max takeoff weight
84,500 lb 38,300 kg 84,500 lb 38,300 kg -22%
Max landing weight
McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30
Max payload
30,100 lb 13,700 kg 30,100 lb 13,700 kg +29%
Fuel capacity
3,679 gal 13,927 L 3,679 gal 13,927 L +27%
Max takeoff weight
108,000 lb 49,000 kg 108,000 lb 49,000 kg +28%
Max landing weight
99,000 lb 44,900 kg 99,000 lb 44,900 kg

Performance

Bombardier CRJ 900
Max cruise speed
475 kt · 547 mph 880 km/h 475 kt 547 mph 880 km/h -2%
Approach speed
Rate of climb
2,000 ft/min 10 m/s 2,000 ft/min 10 m/s 0%
Range
1,553 nm · 1,790 mi 2,880 km 1,553 nm 1,790 mi 2,880 km +4%
Service ceiling
41,000 ft 12,500 m 41,000 ft 12,500 m +17%
Takeoff distance
6,400 ft 1,940 m 6,400 ft 1,940 m -7%
Landing distance
5,300 ft 1,620 m 5,300 ft 1,620 m +8%
McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30
Max cruise speed
485 kt · 558 mph 898 km/h 485 kt 558 mph 898 km/h +2%
Approach speed
127 kt · 146 mph 235 km/h 127 kt 146 mph 235 km/h
Rate of climb
2,000 ft/min 10 m/s 2,000 ft/min 10 m/s 0%
Range
1,500 nm · 1,730 mi 2,780 km 1,500 nm 1,730 mi 2,780 km -3%
Service ceiling
35,000 ft 10,700 m 35,000 ft 10,700 m -15%
Takeoff distance
6,900 ft 2,100 m 6,900 ft 2,100 m +8%
Landing distance
4,900 ft 1,500 m 4,900 ft 1,500 m -8%

McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30 comparisons

No other comparisons yet.

There’s just something about a big, bulky, lumbering CRJ 900 that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside. It’s like a big teddy bear of an airplane. But then there’s the DC-9. Sleek, sexy, and sultry, the DC-9 is the Marilyn Monroe of the skies. She may not be as cuddly as a CRJ 900, but she knows how to turn on the charm. About the two aircraft types, which is better for commercial airline operations?

About the Bombardier CRJ900

The Bombardier CRJ900 is a short-haul regional jet that was first introduced in 2003. The plane has two turbofan engines with a maximum speed of 880 km/h. It also has a range of 2,500 km and can accommodate up to 90 passengers.

The CRJ900 is produced by Bombardier, a Canadian aerospace company. The plane is typically used for domestic and regional flights.

It has become a popular airline choice due to its fuel efficiency and low operating costs. The CRJ900 is part of the Bombardier CRJ series, including the CRJ100/200 and the CRJ700.

Why was it developed and built?

The Bombardier CRJ900 was designed to allow airlines to offer longer-range regional flights without investing in larger, more expensive aircraft. The plane also has a wide enough cabin to accommodate more passengers than the smaller CRJ700.

What purpose does the CRJ 900 serve?

It served and still serves several purposes, primarily as a regional jetliner for short-haul flights. It was designed to provide improved efficiency and comfort compared to its predecessor, the CRJ700. The CRJ900 was capable of carrying up to 90 passengers, making it ideal for mid-sized airports where larger aircraft could not operate. It typically worked on routes between major cities and secondary airports, providing an efficient way for passengers to travel between them.

About the McDonnell Douglas DC-9

It was initially produced by the developer company as the Douglas DC-9 until August 1967 and then by McDonnell Douglas. More than two thousand units were delivered to airlines around the world. The DC-9 has a stretched fuselage 6 feet (1.83 m) longer than the earlier MD-80.

The cabin windows are more oversized and rectangular than other Short Haul aircraft, giving every passenger a window seat. To further increase passenger comfort, the centers are aligned with the window so that all passengers have an aisle seat.

There are also bins above each seat for smaller carry-on items. Because of its popularity, the layout of the DC-9 has been used on many other aircraft, such as the Boeing 717 and Airbus A320 families. Despite its age, the DC-9 remains a famous aircraft due to its simplicity and low operational costs. It is also one of the most reliable aircraft, with a dispatch reliability rate of 99.3%.

Why was it developed and built?

The DC-9 was designed as an economical alternative to the larger, more expensive jet aircraft of the time. The smaller size of the DC-9 allowed airlines to operate it more economically than other aircraft, resulting in lower ticket prices for passengers. The DC-9 also had more oversized windows and seats than its competitors, giving it a comfortable interior for passengers.

What purpose does the DC-9 serve?

The DC-9 continues to be used by airlines worldwide as an efficient, reliable, and economical aircraft. It is well suited for short-haul routes of up to 1,600 km, with the ability to carry up to 136 passengers. The DC-9 is also known for its fuel efficiency and low maintenance costs, making it an excellent option for budget airlines.

How are the Bombardier CRJ 900 and McDonnell Douglas DC-9 different?

The Bombardier CRJ900 is a regional jet that can seat up to 90 passengers. It was first flown in 2005 and is still in production. The DC-9 and the CRJ900 are similar in that they are single-aisle, twin-engined jets.

However, there are several significant differences between the two aircraft. The DC-9 has a shorter fuselage than the CRJ900, and it cannot carry as many passengers. Additionally, the CRJ900 has winglets, which helps to reduce fuel consumption.

Finally, the CRJ900 is equipped with newer, more efficient engines than the DC-9. As a result of these differences, the CRJ900 is a more modern and fuel-efficient aircraft than the DC-9.

How are the Bombardier CRJ 900 and McDonnell Douglas DC-9 similar?

There are several similarities between the Bombardier CRJ900 and the McDonnell Douglas DC-9. Both are single-aisle, twin-engined jets designed for short-haul flights. Both have more oversized windows than other Short Haul aircraft, providing better views and more natural light for passengers.

Additionally, both have comfortable seating configurations, with all passengers having a window seat.

Finally, the CRJ900 and the DC-9 are known for their fuel efficiency and low operational costs, making them excellent options for airlines operating budget flights.

What’s better about the Bombardier CRJ900?

Engine:

The Bombardier CRJ900 is powered by two General Electric CF34-8C5 engines, each delivering a thrust of 8,729 pounds. This provides the aircraft with improved performance compared to other regional jets and allows it to climb faster and fly at higher altitudes.

Cabin:

The Bombardier CRJ900 has a spacious cabin with 76 seats in two classes. The aircraft also features a wide aisle, allowing passengers to move around the house quickly. The seats are also well-padded and adjustable, providing passengers maximum comfort during their flight.

In-Flight Entertainment:

The Bombardier CRJ900 also offers passengers a variety of in-flight entertainment options, including TV monitors, located throughout the cabin. Passengers can enjoy watching their favorite movies, TV shows, and sports events during their flight. The aircraft also has Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing passengers to stay connected to their loved ones and work while in the air.

What’s better about the McDonnell Douglas DC-9?

Avionics:

The McDonnell Douglas DC-9 has a state-of-the-art avionics system that allows it to be operated more efficiently and safely. The aircraft also has advanced autopilot capabilities, allowing for more straightforward navigation and better flight accuracy.

Development:

The McDonnell Douglas DC-9 was designed in the 1960s and has since been continually updated, allowing it to meet the changing needs of airlines. The aircraft is also highly reliable and cost-effective, making it one of the most popular regional jets in the world.

Conclusion

The Bombardier CRJ900 and the McDonnell Douglas DC-9 are reliable and efficient regional jets. The CRJ900 offers improved performance due to its powerful engines, while the DC-9 has advanced avionics capabilities allowing it to be operated safely and efficiently. Both aircraft have spacious cabins with modern amenities, making them an excellent choice for travelers. Ultimately, the choice between these aircraft comes down to personal preference and budget.