Curtiss XF11C-2 Goshawk

Curtiss · United States · first flew 1932 · fighter

The XF11C-2 Goshawk prototype demonstrated the fighter-bomber concept that the US Navy adopted for production as the F11C-2, combining reasonable fighter performance with dive-bombing capability from carrier decks. The Navy selected it over the XF11C-1 configuration.

Recognition (WEFT)

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Spot it by:

• Prototype leading to production F11C-2 carrier fighter
• Wright R-1820 Cyclone radial with NACA cowling
• Sesquiplane biplane with upper wing larger than lower

Biplane with the upper wing significantly larger than the lower (sesquiplane), spatted fixed undercarriage, NACA cowling around a radial engine, and a headrest fairing behind the open cockpit.

Specifications

• The Curtiss XF11C-2 Goshawk has a length of 7.09 m (23 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 9.6 m (31 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 333 km/h (207 mph).
• Typical crew: 1.

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

History

Curtiss flew the XF11C-2 in 1932 and the Navy ordered it into production as the F11C-2 for the fighter-bomber role. The type equipped VF-1B 'High Hat' squadron aboard USS Saratoga. Curtiss exported a related design as the Hawk II to several nations.

Variants

The XF11C-2 prototype directly preceded the F11C-2 production aircraft; a retractable-undercarriage development became the XBF2C-1.

Where you'll see it

Evaluated by the US Navy in 1932; the production F11C-2 served briefly before redesignation as BFC-2.

Related aircraft

• Curtiss BF2C-1 Goshawk
• Curtiss F11C Goshawk
• Curtiss F11C-2 Goshawk
• Curtiss F9C-2 Sparrowhawk
• ANF Les Mureaux 170
• Avia B-34
• Boeing P-26 Peashooter
• Boeing P-26A Peashooter

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