BFC Hawk

The BFC Hawk, developed by the Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company in the early 1930s, was a single‑engine, low‑wing biplane intended for both military liaison and advanced training roles. Its design traced back to the successful Curtiss F9C Sparrowhawk, but incorporated a more powerful Wright R‑1820 radial engine delivering 750 horsepower, which gave the Hawk a top speed of 220 mph and a service ceiling of 28,000 feet. The aircraft’s all‑metal fuselage and mixed‑construction wings – metal ribs with fabric covering – provided a balance of durability and weight savings. Innovative features included foldable wings for carrier storage, a fully enclosed cockpit with dual controls, and a retractable under‑carriage that was rare for biplanes of the era. Only 112 units were built, but the BFC Hawk earned a reputation for reliable handling and excellent climb performance, making it a preferred trainer for the United States Navy and several foreign air forces. Its relatively short production run nevertheless influenced later monoplane designs, demonstrating that high‑performance powerplants could be integrated into conventional biplane layouts and paving the way for the transition to all‑metal, carrier‑capable aircraft in the mid‑1930s.