The XF13C was a naval fighter featuring an all-metal construction, with a semi-monocoque fuselage, manually retractable landing gear and an enclosed cockpit.

The aircraft was designed to facilitate conversions from biplane to monoplane and vice versa.

The United States Navy bought a prototype, designated XF13C-1 when in monoplane configuration, and XF13C-2 when a biplane.

In 1935, the aircraft received a more powerful engine and modifications to the overly tall tailplanes.

No production orders were received for the Curtis XF13C, but the aircraft continued to fly for NACA in experimental work, and by VWJ-1 Squadron at Quantico.