The McDonnell Douglas DC-9 (initially known as the Douglas DC-9) is a family of twin-engine, single-aisle jet airliners, first manufactured in 1965 and subsequently, in greatly modified form, under a succession of different names. Douglas launched the DC-9 development project in April 1963, intending the DC-9 as a short-range companion to their larger four engined DC-8. The DC-9 prototype flew in February 1965 and entered service with Delta Air Lines in December of that year. It was an immediate commercial success, and 976 were built by Douglas which then merged with McDonnell in 1967. The DC-9 family is one of the most rugged, longest-lasting aircraft currently in operation. With total sales of over 2400 units, the long-lived DC-9 family is one of the most successful jet airliners ever made. The InFlight 200 DC-9 features rubber tires, rolling wheels, aerials and high attention to detail.