Curtiss
F7C
Seahawk
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Photo: Robert Deering 4/18/2015
National Museum of Naval Aviation
NAS Pensacola (NPA)
Pensacola, Florida

Designed from the outset as a carrier-based fighter, ironically, the F7C-1 never saw the deck of a ship, serving instead with the Marine Corps in Fighting Squadron (VF) 5M, later re-designated as VF-9M. The squadron gained fame with its flying exhibitions around the country, for which the maneuverable Seahawk was well suited. The appearance of the F7C-1 in December 1928 also marked the end of liquid-cooled engines in naval aircraft, the Navy opting for the air-cooled radial.

The aircraft was powered by a 450 horsepower Pratt & Whitney R-1340-B Wasp, marking the beginning of the transition to air-cooled engines in Naval Aviation. With reliability a top priority for carrier-based aircraft, the Navy determined that the air-cooled radial, not requiring a liquid cooling system, was more reliable and maintenance was much easier in the tight confines of a carrier's hangar bay. Across the front of the engine a pilot controlled a series of shutters, forerunners of cowl flaps, to aid in maintaining optimum engine temperatures.

The Navy ordered 17 of the new aircraft and deliveries were completed between December 1928 and January 1929. Ironically, though designed for carrier deployment, these aircraft never saw a carrier deck. Instead, they were assigned to the Marine Corps' VF-5M—later re-designated VF-9M—and the squadron gained fame with its flying demonstrations around the country. A floatplane, with a single centerline float and outriggers, was also tested.

SPECIFICATIONS: PERFORMANCE:
Span:  33 ft., 8 in.  Maximum speed:  151 mph
Length:  22 ft., 2 in. Cruising speed: 
Height:  10 ft., 4 in.  Range:  330 miles
Empty Weight:  Service ceiling:  23,000 ft.
Gross Weight:  2,768 lb  
Crew:  Pilot
Engines:  One 450 hp. Pratt & Whitney R-1340-B air-cooled radial
Armament:  Two fixed, forward firing .30-caliber machine guns
   
SOURCE:  National Museum of Naval Aviation