A special member of the Curtiss A-3 / O-1 / F8C Falcon / O2C Helldiver family, this plane had enclosed cockpits and spats. Originally N984V, it was delivered to the USN in November 1930 as a transport for the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Aviation, David Ingalls. It was designated XF8C-7, although the X is not painted here, and later XO2C-2. The plate on the cowling reads 'Curtiss Navy Hell-Diver'. The back side of the photograph suggests that it was flown by famous aviator Frank Hawks with actor Will Rogers as his passenger. The two friends were pictured together here on 30 January 1931, so the photo is assumed to have been taken at that time. Photo from: University of Texas at Dallas
This photo was added on 14 November 2020, and has since been viewed 750 times.