Curtiss XF9C Sparrowhawk
Curtiss · United States · first flew 1931 · fighter
The Curtiss XF9C Sparrowhawk was the prototype of the F9C parasite fighter, a tiny single-seat biplane designed to be launched from and recovered by the US Navy's rigid airships USS Akron and USS Macon.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 6.13 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Prototype parasite fighter for airship trapeze hook
- Skyhook trapeze trapeze fitting above upper wing
- Extremely compact single-seat biplane
An exceptionally small single-seat biplane with a distinctive skyhook trapeze fitting projecting above the upper wing centre-section; no other production aircraft shared this feature.
Specifications
- The Curtiss XF9C Sparrowhawk has a length of 6.13 m (20 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 7.75 m (25 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 281 km/h (175 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The XF9C first flew in 1931 and demonstrated the feasibility of airship-borne fighter operations using a trapeze hook mounted above the upper wing. Following successful trials, the F9C-2 production variant was ordered. The concept was operationally demonstrated with USS Akron before both airships were lost in accidents in 1933 and 1935, ending the parasite fighter programme.
Variants
The XF9C led to the production F9C-2 Sparrowhawk; no other Sparrowhawk variants were produced.
Where you'll see it
Navy evaluation and airship trials only; the production F9C-2 operated from USS Akron and USS Macon.
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