Curtiss F8C-5 Helldiver

Curtiss · United States · first flew 1930 · bomber

The Curtiss F8C-5 Helldiver was the main production variant of the first-generation Helldiver biplane, serving as the US Navy's standard carrier-based dive-bomber in the early 1930s.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, straight
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	8.11 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Principal production Helldiver biplane for US Navy
Bomb crutch and twin open cockpits
Wright R-1820 Cyclone in full NACA cowling

A two-seat biplane with equal-span wings, NACA-cowled radial, bomb-swing crutch under the belly, and open tandem cockpits; the main recognition feature over earlier variants is the fully enclosed cowling.

Specifications

The Curtiss F8C-5 Helldiver has a length of 8.11 m (27 ft).
It has a wingspan of 9.75 m (32 ft).
Its maximum speed is 299 km/h (186 mph).
Typical crew: 2.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Ordered in greater numbers than its predecessors, the F8C-5 equipped multiple carrier and shore-based Navy and Marine squadrons from 1930. It refined the bomb-crutch system and incorporated a fully enclosed NACA cowling over the Wright Cyclone for improved performance. The F8C-5 established dive-bombing as a viable tactical doctrine within the US Navy.

Variants

The F8C-5 was the most-produced Helldiver biplane variant; it was followed by the XF8C-6 with further engine refinements.

Where you'll see it

Served aboard USS Lexington, USS Saratoga, and other carriers, as well as Marine shore-based units, through the mid-1930s.

Related aircraft

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