Arado Ar 196

Arado Flugzeugwerke · Germany · first flew 1937 · fighter

The Arado Ar 196 was a twin-float monoplane floatplane that served as the standard shipboard reconnaissance aircraft of the German Kriegsmarine throughout World War II. It was catapult-launched from major surface warships and also operated from coastal bases.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	11 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

Twin-float shipboard reconnaissance seaplane
Low-wing monoplane with two large central floats
Catapult-launched from German warships

Unmistakable as the only twin-float monoplane shipboard aircraft of the Kriegsmarine — low wing, two substantial floats, radial engine with close-fitting cowling, and a prominent rear observer's cockpit with a ring-mounted gun.

Specifications

The Arado Ar 196 has a length of 11 m (36 ft).
It has a wingspan of 12.44 m (41 ft).
Its maximum speed is 310 km/h (193 mph).
Typical crew: 2.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

First flown in 1937 and entering service in 1939, the Ar 196 replaced biplane floatplanes aboard German warships including the Bismarck and Tirpitz. It proved effective not only in reconnaissance but also in anti-submarine patrol and even in combat against RAF Sunderland flying boats. It was produced in Germany, France, and the Netherlands.

Variants

The Ar 196A-1 was the initial series; the A-3 was the main production variant with improved armament including two wing-mounted 20 mm cannon. The A-5 had further refinements.

Where you'll see it

Operated by the Kriegsmarine and Luftwaffe; also used by Romania and Bulgaria. Captured examples were evaluated by the Allies.

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