BFC-2-2 Bomber Fighter
Curtiss BFC-2 Fighter Bomber Aircraft
In 1934, the Curtiss F11C-2 was modified with a higher turtleback supplied as a field modification, and the designation changed to BFC-2 and it was used primarely as a bomber. This ariplane was the first vertical dive bomber in Naval history. It remained in service until 1938 when it was replaced with the Vought SB2U-1. The photographs of the BFC-2 in my collection show both the VF-1B and the VB-2B "Highhat" Squadron. VF-1B was redesignated VB-2B on 1 July 1934.
Curtiss BFC-2 Goshawk NAS North Island California
Curtiss BFC-2 BuNo. 9339 Delivered to VB-2 "High Hat"
Squadron, 2-B-1; Red section leader;
Curtiss BFC-2 BuNo. 9275 Delivered
to VB-2 "High Hat" Squadron, 2-B-2; Red top;
Curtiss BFC-2 BuNo. 9337
Delivered to VB-2 "High Hat" Squadron, 2-B-3; Red bottom;
Click on picture to go to gallery for larger view of aircraft.
Curtiss BFC-2 Fighter Bombers Aircraft 2-B-1
Aircraft NO. 9339 Model BFC-2 Engine Model R-1920-78
Contractor Curtiss Date Stricken 14 June 1939
Shipped Destination Received
04-27-33 San Diego, Battle Force 05-12-33
03-13-34 VF-1B, USS SARATOGA 03-13-34
08-07-35 San Diego, Battle Force 08-16-35
02-13-36 VB-2B, USS SARATOGA 02-13-36
02-21-36 San Diego, Battle Force 02-21-36
07-20-36 VB-2B, USS SATATOGA 07-20-36
VB-3, USS SATATOGA
06-24-37 Crashed
06-24-37 San Diego, Battle Force 06-24-37
09-24-37 VB-3, USS SARAGOGA 09-30-37
01-06-38 San Diego, Battle Force 01-06-38
01-07-38 Norfolk, Battle Force 01-17-38
01-17-38 VB-6, USS ENTERPRISE
05-24-38 Norfolk, Battle Force 05-25-38
TROUBLE REPORT
Date Station Remarks
08-06-35 VB-2B Anti-drag ring broken. Propeller nicked etc.
02-19-36 VB-2B
Forward spar upper wing broken both wing tips broken. Lower right wing & fuselage also damaged. Etc.
01-21-37 VB-2B
Upper longerons, Both sides buckled between stations 6 & 7.
06-23-37 VB-2B Broken spars in both lower wings. etc.
06-30-37 San Diego Disposition only. O/H authorized.
06-14-39 FAB, Coco Solo
Grounded by CNO Despatch of December 1938. Strike plane.
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. Curtiss BFC-2 Fighter Bombers Aircraft 2-B-2
Aircraft NO. 9275 Model BFC-2 Engine Model R-1920-F2
Contractor Curtiss Date Stricken 31 Dec. 1937
Total Flying Time 1119.2 Hours
Shipped Destination Received
03-31-33 San Diego, Battle Force 04-12-33
05-19-33 VF-1B, USS SARATOGA 05-24-33
04-12-35 San Diego, Battle Force 04-12-35
08-05-35 VB-2B, USS SARATOGA 08-05-35
01-25-35 San Diego, Battle Force 01-25-35
04-05-37 VB-2B, USS SATATOGA 04-02-37
VB-3, USS SATATOGA
11-15-37 Crashed
San Diego, Battle Force 11-16-37
TROUBLE REPORT
Date Station Remarks
11-15-37 VB-3, USS SARATOGA
Aircraft and engine was immersed in salt water for approx. 1 hour.
11-17-37 San Diego Disposition only. Strike plane.
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Curtiss BFC-2 Fighter Bombers Aircraft 2-B-3
Aircraft NO. 9337 Model BFC-2 Engine Model R-1920-78
Contractor Curtiss Date Stricken 28 Feb. 1938
Total Flying Time 944.0 Hours
Shipped Destination Received
04-22-33 San Diego, Battle Force 05-05-33
03-06-34 VF-1B, 05-06-33
Grumman
Norfolk 07-13-34
VB-2B
10-15-35 San Diego, Battle Force 10-16-35
02-26-36 VB-2B, USS SATATOGA 02-26-36
VB-3, USS SATATOGA
08-17-37 San Diego, Battle Force 08-17-37
10-25-37 VB-3, USS SARATOGA 10-25-37
San Diego, Battle Force 01-27-38
02-02-38 Crashed
TROUBLE REPORT
Date Station Remarks
12-10-34 VB-2B Wings damaged, wheels damaged, etc.
11-10-37 VB-3, USS SARATOGA
Damaged both right wings, right landing gear, propeller, fuselage members at station 2, etc.
02-02-38 San Diego
Propeller bent - engine damag unknown. All wings and tail surfaces completely wrecked. Fuselage broken and bent.
02-10-38 San Diego Disposition only. Strike plane.
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