The first Curtiss fighter designed from the outset for shipboard use as opposed to being an adaptation of a land-based fighter, the XF7C-1 single-seat fighter was characterised by sweptback upper wing outer panels and flew for the first time on 28 February 1927. Powered by a 450hp Pratt & Whitney R-1340-B Wasp radial, the XF7C-1 was flown both with and without a propeller spinner, and was also tested with a single central float and outrigger stabilising floats. Seventeen F7C-1s were ordered for US Navy service and delivered during December 1928 and January 1929. These differed from the prototype primarily in having tripod main undercarriage members in place of the cross axle. The propeller spinner was discarded and armament comprised two 7.62mm synchronised machine guns. In the event, all F7C-1s were operated by the US Marine Corps (VF-5M) at Quantico.

3-View

A three-view drawing (1280 x 936)