Curtiss F8C-3 Falcon
Curtiss · United States · first flew 1928 · fighter
The Curtiss F8C-3 Falcon was a small-batch production variant of the F8C-1, serving with the US Marine Corps in the observation and light attack roles in the late 1920s.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 7.93 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Minor production variant of F8C-1 Falcon biplane
- US Marine Corps two-seat observation type
- Pratt & Whitney Wasp radial with partial NACA cowl
Externally near-identical to the F8C-1; only minor detail differences in equipment distinguish the two variants.
Specifications
- The Curtiss F8C-3 Falcon has a length of 7.93 m (26 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.75 m (32 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 284 km/h (176 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The F8C-3 differed from the F8C-1 in minor equipment and engine details, continuing Marine Corps observation squadron operations in Central America. The aircraft flew missions over Nicaragua during the US intervention there and demonstrated the utility of biplanes in tropical counter-insurgency operations. It was a transitional type quickly overtaken by the Helldiver variants.
Variants
The F8C-3 is a minor variant of the F8C-1; subsequent F8C variants adopted the Helldiver name and dive-bombing focus.
Where you'll see it
US Marine Corps observation squadrons, including operations in Nicaragua during the late 1920s.
Related aircraft
- Curtiss F8C-1 Falcon
- Curtiss XP-10
- Curtiss B-2 Condor
- Curtiss P-1F Hawk
- Boeing P-12/F4B
- Boeing XF4B-1
- Boeing XP-8
- Dewoitine D.27
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