The Curtis XF13C (Model 70) was a carrier-based fighter aircraft built by Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company.

Development and design

The XF13C was a naval fighter featuring an all-metal construction, with a

semi-monocoque The term semi-monocoque or semimonocoque refers to a stressed shell structure that is similar to a true monocoque, but which derives at least some of its strength from conventional reinforcement. Semi-monocoque construction is used for, among ot ...

fuselage, manually retractable

landing gear Landing gear is the undercarriage of an aircraft or spacecraft that is used for takeoff or landing. For aircraft it is generally needed for both. It was also formerly called ''alighting gear'' by some manufacturers, such as the Glenn L. Martin ...

and an enclosed cockpit. The aircraft was designed to facilitate conversions from biplane to monoplane and vice versa. The

United States Navy The United States Navy (USN) is the maritime service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the eight uniformed services of the United States. It is the largest and most powerful navy in the world, with the estimated tonnage ...

bought a prototype, designated XF13C-1 when in monoplane configuration, and XF13C-2 when a biplane. The XF13C first flew in 1934 with good results realized in tests. In 1935, the aircraft received a more powerful engine and modifications to the overly tall tailplanes. The designation was changed to XF13C-3 for more flight testing.

Operational history

No production orders were received for the Curtis XF13C, but the aircraft continued to fly for

NACA The National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) was a United States federal agency founded on March 3, 1915, to undertake, promote, and institutionalize aeronautical research. On October 1, 1958, the agency was dissolved and its assets ...

in experimental work, and by VWJ-1 Squadron at Quantico.

Specifications (XF13C-3)

References

Citations

Bibliography

* Angelucci, Enzo. ''The American Fighter from 1917 to the present.'' New York: Orion Books, 1987. .

External links

{{USN fighters F13C Curtiss F13C Single-engined tractor aircraft Aircraft first flown in 1934