The F9C Sparrowhawk was a small, carrier-based biplane developed by Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company in the 1930s. Designed primarily for use on the USS Akron and USS Macon, it served as a reconnaissance and utility aircraft. The Sparrowhawk was notable for its ability to be launched and recovered from airships, making it unique in its operational role. Equipped with a single engine and a wingspan of about 40 feet, the F9C Sparrowhawk could reach speeds of around 90 mph. It was armed with a pair of .30 caliber machine guns and could carry a small payload, enhancing its versatility in various missions during its brief service period.