The Airco DH9A was a total re-design of the Airco DH9 medium bomber to remove deficiencies existing in the original aircraft, it was given a more powerful Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII or American Liberty engine which necessitated a strengthened fuselage and new radiator, the wings also had their span and chord increased. Both the DH9 and DH9A were designed by Aircraft Manufacturing Co. Ltd's chief designer, Capt. Geoffrey de Havilland, who used his initials in the designation of aircraft he designed. The de Havilland dh9A went into production in 1918 and 885 aircraft were produced by the end of WW1 by a dozen British manufactures, the primary contractors being de-Havilland and Westland. As the DH9A only entered service at the end of WW1, only four squadrons were sent to France. DH9A's gained a reputation for rugged reliability with their air-crews and the nickname 'Ninak'. After WW1 de Havilland dh9A bombers along with the Bristol F2b fighter formed the backbone of the newly formed Royal Air Force and were used in 'Policing duties' in Iraq from 1921 TO 1927, some Airco DH9a's remained in RAF use right up to the end of the 1930's. Unlicensed production took place in Russia for the Red Air Force and additional aircraft were made in the US and many European countries most noticeably those made by SABCA in Belgium and Hispano-Suiza powered aircraft in Spain. | 
