Curtiss XF8C-1 Falcon
Curtiss · United States · first flew 1927 · fighter
The Curtiss XF8C-1 Falcon was a prototype two-seat biplane fighter and observation aircraft submitted to the US Navy in 1927, the first in the F8C lineage that would evolve into the Helldiver.
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:
- Two-seat biplane fighter-observation prototype
- Single radial engine with Curtiss Hawk-style airframe
- Staggered biplane wings with N-struts
A classic 1920s two-seat biplane with unequal-span wings, an open cockpit, fixed spatted undercarriage, and a cowled radial engine typical of Curtiss naval fighters of the period.
Specifications
- The Curtiss XF8C-1 Falcon has a length of 7.93 m (26 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.75 m (32 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 280 km/h (174 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed as a two-seat fighter and observation type, the XF8C-1 was evaluated by the US Navy alongside other Curtiss proposals. The Falcon designation was applied to this early variant; subsequent developments replaced 'Falcon' with 'Helldiver' as the dive-bombing role took precedence. The XF8C-1 itself was not ordered in quantity.
Variants
The XF8C-1 was the first prototype; it was rapidly succeeded by the XF8C-2, F8C-1, and the Helldiver series.
Where you'll see it
Not adopted for fleet service; used only for Navy evaluation.
Related aircraft
- Curtiss B-2 Condor
- Curtiss P-6 Hawk
- Curtiss F8C-1 Falcon
- Curtiss F8C-3 Falcon
- Arado SD I
- Avia BH-26
- Avia BH-27
- Avia BH-29
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