Republic RC-3 Seabee
1945
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Republic RC-3 Seabee

The first prototype flew in 1945. Over 1000 aircraft were built.


Specification 
 MODELRC-3 "Seabee"
 CREW1
 PASSENGERS3
 ENGINE1 x Franklin 6A-215-B8F, 160kW
 WEIGHTS
    Take-off weight1429 kg3150 lb
    Empty weight953 kg2101 lb
 DIMENSIONS
    Wingspan11.48 m38 ft 8 in
    Length8.53 m28 ft 0 in
    Height2.92 m10 ft 7 in
    Wing area18.21 m2196.01 sq ft
 PERFORMANCE
    Max. speed193 km/h120 mph
    Ceiling3660 m12000 ft
    Range579 km360 miles

Comments 
G I wonder, c(@)nada.ca, 03.02.2010

Curious what was the max +/- g load with the original wing?
And with the wing extensions(which are at the wing root)how the g #s changed?
These old girls are 63 years old... so added span, raised gross, more power sounds a little shaky to me.

al, thaodien12(@)gmail.com, 18.01.2010

We had a small RC3 club near Toronto in 1980. I was the youngest. One of our older members did this extreme mod to his RC3 at his lake. He purchased 5 Surplus Turbines (592 HP Aztazou-$4000 ea) in the USA. He extended the RC3 wings and ailerons. He had hydr. retract the gear. He modified the RC3 aft Cabin ceiling and replaced the Franklin with an Aztazou turning a 4 blade. He also had his RC3 fitted with snow skis. After burning up one Aztazou he had Canadian MOT inspect his work. His first and last test flight was off the frozen lake. His wife said he took off in about 5 lengths of the aircraft (592 HP). Another club member had just landed his RC3, also on skis. Unfortunately the stress of the test flight was too much because after landing to meet his visitor, he walked a few steps and suffered a massive heart attack. At the time of his death he was in his early 60s.

Jock Williams, williamsB25(@)aol.com, 15.04.2009

The Seabee was a joy to fly -but it needed another 100 horsepower or so -and perhaps another 8 feet of wingspan. Eventually both of these modifications were tried -and I understand they worked!

This old bird was as stable on the ground as a DC3/C47 and on the water as a PBY.

In 1978 I almost traded my Tiger Moth for a Seabee. I am glad I didn't -but am sorry I didn't have the money to buy the Seabee and operate them BOTH!

It is the ultimate family bushplane. Way before its time!

Jock Williams

Harold Brouphy, pappypelican(@)aol.com, 24.07.2008

I was a proud owner for a very short time During this time I made three landings; Two dead stick and one necessary down wind.

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