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    Interstate Aircraft and Engineering Corporation designed and built the Interstate S-1A Cadet in 1941 as an easy flying 2 place training aircraft for civilian and military use.  In 1942, the Interstate S-1B1 was developed for liaison and military reconnaissance missions as the Army L-6.  Both aircraft earned reputations for their dependable flying characteristics and durable construction.  Over 600 aircraft were built.

    In the late 1960’s, the Type Certificates and tooling were bought by the newly formed Arctic Aircraft Company.  Arctic Aircraft transformed the S-1B1 into a bush plane by upgrading structural elements of the fuselage, landing gear, and wings.  This new aircraft, designated the S-1B2, was reconfigured with a Lycoming O-320 160 HP engine and 82” McCauley propeller for increased performance.  The Model S-1B2 was Type Certificated in 1975, and came to be known as the Arctic Tern.  Arctic Aircraft produced the Arctic Tern from 1975 until 1985.

    Interstate Aircraft Company has undertaken to further refine the Arctic Tern as the ultimate STOL aircraft, including the following improvements to the original S-1B2:

    - Replace wooden wing spars with aluminum box extrusion for increased capacity and better service life.

    - Replace steel lift struts with aluminum for reduced weight and better service life.

    - Replace fixed-pitch propeller with constant-speed for better takeoff performance and higher cruise speeds.

    - Upgrade instrument panel, instruments, avionics, and electrical system to modern standards.

    - Incorporate Dual Seaplane doors for added safety and convenience.

    When it comes to extreme bush flying, nothing else performs like a Tern.