Curtiss F9C-2 Sparrowhawk

Curtiss · United States · first flew 1932 · fighter

The Curtiss F9C-2 Sparrowhawk was the production parasite fighter designed to operate from the rigid airships USS Akron and USS Macon, using a trapeze hook to launch and recover in flight.

Recognition (WEFT)

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

• Production parasite fighter for USS Akron and Macon
• Trapeze skyhook fitting above upper wing centre-section
• Smallest US Navy fighter biplane of the 1930s

The trapeze skyhook above the upper wing is the definitive recognition feature; the aircraft is otherwise a compact, rotund single-seat biplane with a closely cowled radial engine.

Specifications

• The Curtiss F9C-2 Sparrowhawk has a length of 6.13 m (20 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 7.75 m (25 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 283 km/h (176 mph).
• Typical crew: 1.

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

History

Six F9C-2s were delivered to the US Navy in 1932, serving as the fighter screen for the giant rigid airships. The aircraft successfully demonstrated trapeze operations, launching and recovering while the airship was airborne at altitude. Both airships were destroyed in storms — Akron in 1933 and Macon in 1935 — and the surviving Sparrowhawks were converted to conventional wheeled aircraft before retirement.

Variants

The F9C-2 was the only production Sparrowhawk; the XF9C was the prototype. Some aircraft had the hook removed after the airship loss.

Where you'll see it

Operated exclusively from USS Akron and USS Macon; after airship losses served briefly in conventional roles before disposal.

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