The Seabee was a development of the three seat Republic RC-1 Thunderbolt (1 built) which was first flown in 1944 powered by a 175hp(130kW) Franklin. The RC-2 Seabee (10 built) were basically pre-production development aircraft for the RC-3. One example of the RC-3 was evaluated by the US Army in 1947 but no orders were forthcoming. The Seabee is a useful utility amphibian and is operated extensively among the lakes of North America. Production ended in 1947 and the rights to the type were sold to the STOL Amphibian Corp. of Florida. A twin engined conversion was developed by United Consultants Corp. of Massachusetts. About 250 RC-3’s remain active.

CF-FGW                  c/n 417                          USA

4 seat amphibian first flown in 1946

Engine: 215hp(160kW) Franklin 6A-215-B8F                                                                                  Length: 28’0"(8.53m)                                                                                           Height: 9’7"(2.92m)Wingspan: 37’8"(11.48m)                                                                                             No.built: 1050 Range: 560miles(901km)                                                                 Cruising speed: 103mph(165kmh) Empty weight: 2100lb(953kg)                                                Maximum take-off weight: 3150lb(1429kg)

N6286K                     c/n 499                               

C-FDKP                     c/n 810                               

Republic RC-3 Seabee Side view 1/144 scale

Side view 1/108 scale

Side view 1/72 scale