The F9 Sparrowhawk is a parasite fighter type designed to be deployed from a larger aircraft such as an airship or bomber and is ideal for service in the fighter complement of large rigid-framed airships for its small size. Its primary duty is reconnaissance. The F9 is carried by the US Navy airships USS Akron and USS Macon. The Akron was reported to have a complement of three F9s, while the Macon was found at its underwater resting place with four in its hangar.

Currently, only one F9 Sparrowhawk still exists and it resides in the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum.