The 1939 US Navy Scout-Fighter Program
With all competing designs eliminated, Curtiss-Wright had the US Navy Scout-Fighter program in the bag. Their submission was based on the proven Curtiss Model 75 Hawk fighter matched with the floats from the new Curtiss Model 82 (SO3C). The new design was designated Model 88 SeaHawk by Curtiss and SFC-1 by the US Navy. [1]
The Model 88 prototype was completed quickly by combined the fuselage of a Hawk 75A-4 demonstrator with the wings and tail of a Hawk 75N. [2] The float components were unchanged from the SO3C other than in the main float having a taller mounting pylon. To improve stability (a sore point with SO3C development), the prototype was given an enlarged rudder and a ventral fin. Roll-out occurred in late October 1940.
In contrast with the troublesome SO3C, the Curtiss Model 88 prototype flew very well. In trials, it was quickly realized that the XSFC-1's enlarged rudder was unnecessary but that the aircraft could benefit with increased keel area. To that end, the ventral fin was enlarged and the original rudder replaced with a standard Hawk 75 unit. Performance trials were cursory since the prototype was fitted with an export-model Cyclone -- the R-1820-G105 -- which only produced 1,000 hp.
The BuAer was satisfied overall and a US Navy order for 24 SFC-1 powered by the 1,200 hp Wright R-1820-40 Cyclone. All two dozen SFC-1s were delivered to the US Navy by the end of 1941. But, in another change of policy, it was decided to employ the SFC-1s -- by now also called SeaHawks by the USN -- as point defence interceptors flying from harbours rather than as shipboard aircraft.
On 26 Jan 1943, the SeaHawk proved its mettle. SFC-1s of VSF-87 bounced a formation of Aichi E13A1 'Jake' light bombers escorted by A6M2-N 'Rufe' float-fighters off of Amchitka. In a matter of moments, three of the Aichis were shot down with a 'Rufe' fighter damaged and presumed destroyed. [3]
Work on a more advanced version -- the Model 88C/XSFC-2 -- was confused by further US Navy policy changes. The Scout-Fighter category was abandoned and, in June 1942, the BuAer requested proposals for a straightforward scout seaplane. Curtiss submitted a heavily revised Model 88E/XSFC-4 [4] in Aug 1942 which, with a great deal of further modification would emerge in 1944 as the Curtiss Model 97/SC-1 Seahawk scout floatplane.
________________________
[1] The US Navy did not start adopting 'popular names' for its aircraft until 1941.
[2] These were pattern components originally intended for Argentina's Fábrica Militar de Aviones.
[3] The smoking 'Rufe' spiralled down through low cloud cover but its destruction was unconfirmed.
[4] The unbuilt Model 88D/XSFC-3 had been an unsolicited proposal for a more heavily armed SeaHawk.
________________________