Arado Ar 196

The Arado Ar 196 was a German ship‑borne reconnaissance floatplane built by Arado Flugzeugwerke during the late 1930s and throughout World War II. First flown in June 1937, it entered service in 1939 as the standard observation aircraft for the Kriegsmarine, operating from the decks of destroyers, cruisers and auxiliary vessels. The Ar 196 featured a low‑wing monoplane layout, all‑metal construction, and a single 860 hp BMW 132 radial engine driving a two‑bladed propeller. Its twin floats provided excellent stability on water, while the retractable radiator and rounded fuselage reduced drag. Armed with a forward‑firing 7.92 mm MG 15 machine gun for the pilot, a dorsal 7.92 mm MG 15 for the observer, and up to four small bombs, the aircraft could perform limited offensive missions in addition to its primary scouting role. Over 1,300 units were produced, serving in every theater where the German navy operated, from the Atlantic to the Arctic and the Mediterranean. The Ar 196’s robustness, versatility and ease of maintenance made it a reliable asset, influencing post‑war naval aircraft designs and cementing its place as one of the most successful floatplane scouts of the era.

Arado Flugzeugwerke

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Design & Classification