Reading level:
A kid-friendly version of this page isn’t written yet — you’re seeing the regular version below. Back to the gallery to find an aircraft with a Kids version.

Curtiss F9C Sparrowhawk

Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company · Parasite fighter · USA · Interwar (1919–1938)

Curtiss F9C Sparrowhawk — Parasite fighter
Open in interactive gallery →

The Curtiss F9C Sparrowhawk is a light 1930s biplane fighter aircraft that was carried by the United States Navy airships USS Akron and Macon. It is an example of a parasite fighter, a small airplane designed to be deployed from a larger aircraft such as an airship or bomber.

Specifications

Category
Fixed Wing
Sub-Category
Fighter
Domain
Defence
Era
Interwar (1919–1938)
Country
USA
Manufacturer
Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company
Operator
United States Navy
Primary Role
Parasite fighter
Status
Retired
Service Entry
1931
Produced
7
Engine
1× 9-cyl. air-cooled radial piston engine
Thrust / Power
438 hp
Length (ft)
20
Wingspan (ft)
25
Empty Weight (lb)
2089
MTOW (lb)
2776
Service Ceiling (ft)
19200
Range (mi)
297
Max Speed (mph)
176.5
Armament
Guns: 2 × Browning machine guns