A single RC-1 Thunderbolt Amphibian was built (NX41816), as a concept study for what was to become Republic's contender
for the expected post-war private airplane market. Originally it was named
Thunderbolt Amphibian to benefit from the tremendous success of the
Republic P-47 Thunderbolt fighter during WWII. However, during the
development of the new Republic amphibian, the name was changed to Seabee.
Also the the RC-1 prototype carried the name Seabee.
The prototype RC-1 Seabee had a 175 hp Franklin engine,
3 seats, cantilever wings, wheels retracting into the hull and was of a
conventional construction. More...
