Republic Seabee News 2012

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Joseph W. Gigante

[2012-04-16] Joseph William Gigante, a resident of Westwood for over 60 years, died Monday, April 9, 2012 at his home.  He was 95.  Joseph was born December 2, 1916 in New York City, New York, the son of Italian immigrants John and Anna (Gambardella) Gigante.  Joseph earned his bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering from New York University.  He founded STOL Aircraft Corporation in Norwood, Massachusetts.  There he designed and produced the UC-1 Twin Bee amphibious aircraft shown in the picture above, until his retirement in 1992.   

Joe was an avid runner and could often be found at the Westwood High School track.  He was the husband of the late Marianne (Ghysels) Gigante and the brother of the late Mario, Victor, Alfred, and Aintonette “Tina” Gigante.  Joseph is survived by his daughter, Nina C. Gigante of Venice, California; his two sons, Stephen J. Gigante of New York City, New York, and David E. Gigante of Lawrence, Kansas; his granddaughter, Eden Levin; and two brothers, George Gigante of Van Nuys, California, and John Gigante of Deerfield, Florida.  Services and interment will be private.

Mr. Gigante is truly one of the nicest persons I have ever had the pleasure of talking with! A few years ago we talked on the phone about his fantastic UC-1 Twin Bee amphibian. I had a "fearful" respect for this legend before calling him, but he immediately made me feel like we had been friends all life! This is the first time I have seen a photo of Joe, and his charisma is evident! Every Twin Bee and Seabee fan will truly miss this great man. He will be remembered with appreciation. In deepest sympathy with all his family and friends;

Steinar Saevdal

Photos by Kevin Miller

Virtual Seabee for Flight Simulator X!

[2012-02-01] - KC FlightShop Introduces the Republic RC-3 Seabee an all-metal amphibious sports aircraft designed by Percival Spencer in 1944 and the RC-1 made its first flight with Spencer at the controls.  By the end of 1944 Republic had received 1,972 civilian orders for the $3,500 airplane.  The Navy granted Republic Aviation the rights to use the name Seabee for the civilian version. Today, more than 60 years after production ended, the Seabee is still the most popular amphibian on the used-market…

The KC FlightShop recreates the first production RC-3 Seabee with original equipment as released from the factory for a vintage flight experience, the fully interactive VC uses 3D gauges throughout with every system modeled.

• Features include HD quality textures (2048 x 2048).

• Authentic HQ digital stereo sounds.

• Fully animated pilot

• Kneeboard checklist with performance tables.

• Realistic night lights effect in the virtual cockpit..

• FSX features: external dynamic shadows, internal dynamic shadows on VC, volumetric normal mapping, specular mapping and bloom lights.

• FPS. friendly model

• Interactive virtual cockpit.

• Full moving parts: Ailerons, elevators, rudders, flaps, rolling wheels and trim tab

• Animated Doors

• Lights: Panel Lights, Navigation lights, landing and cabin lights.

• Fully normal mapped interior.

• Compatible with Addon Hardware and Shared Cockpit Functions

• Easy to use paint kit

• Realistic behavior, pilot tested to match the real airplane

• Help from many pilot and owners of real Seabee’s for accuracy and authenticity.

Visit the KC FlightShop:

www.kcflightshop.com 

for a look at this new release!

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Updated: 2012-04-16

© 2012 Steinar Saevdal