The UC-1 Twin Bee is a twin-engine five-seat conversion of the Republic RC-3 Seabee amphibian. The conversion was developed by Mr. Joseph W. Gigante of United Consultant Corporation 1959 -1965. His company later was known as STOL Aircraft Corporation of Norwood, Massachusetts. The original re-builds of the Seabee began at the old Canton Airport (1). STOL Aircraft Corporation moved to the Norwood airport site around 1970. In her original configuration, the prototype had two 180 hp Lycoming O-360-A1A engines, and made her first flight in 1960 with a Helio test pilot at controls. Later most test flights were made by test pilot Peter Annis. During development, engine model was changes to injection type, the cowlings were redesigned and the tail control surface areas were increased. After extensive flight tests for five years, the UC-1 Twin Bee was awarded the US FAR Aircraft Type Certificate No: A6EA on 25 June 1965. The first production aircraft was delivered one year later. A website dedicated to this aircraft can be found here.
