Destination's Journey

Arado Ar 196A-5 of SAGr126 (DN+IF) WkNr 100276 Moored at a beaching ramp France 1941

German Floatplane Arado Ar 196

German Floatplane Arado Ar 196

The Arado Ar 196 was designed to an October 1936 RLM request for a Heinkel He 114 reconnaissance floatplane replacement. The four prototypes ordered were delivered in the summer of 1937. The V1 and V2 had twin floats, while the V3 and V4 had a single central floats and two outrigger floats. Comparative trials demonstrated that both versions had excellent water handling qualities. However, it was felt that in rough seas there was a possibility that the outrigger floats of the V3/V4 could dig in, causing damage to the aircraft. A further V5 prototype was ordered to study the final twin float configuration.

Ten Ar 196A-0s pre-production aircraft were delivered for ship trials in November and December 1938. Five B-0s (single central float versions) were delivered at the same time for shore-based trials. These were the only B-0 floatplanes ordered.

Production of the A-1 version commenced June 1939, which were used to equip the Kriegsmarine surface fleet. Including prototypes, a total of 541 were produced of all types, including approximately 100 from the SNCA and Fokker plants.

Versions

German Units

Arado Ar 196 Floatplanes Serving Aboard German Ships

Other Operators

Miscellaneous Photographs of Arado Ar 196 Floatplanes

Kampfgeschwader 100 (KG 100)

Arado Ar 196A of KG100 having transported General Friedrich Wilhelm Muller Commander 22nd Infantry Division to Samos Greece 1943
Arado Ar 196A of KG100 having transported General Friedrich Wilhelm Muller Commander 22nd Infantry Division to Samos Greece 1943
Arado Ar 196A of KG100
Arado Ar 196A of KG100

Kampfgeschwader 200 (KG 200)

Arado Ar 196A-2 of 2.Versuchskommando.ObdL (GA+DO) WkNr. 100115 Used to Support Commando Missions Behind Enemy Lines At Kontiolahti Finland
Arado Ar 196A-2 of 2.Versuchskommando.ObdL (GA+DO) WkNr. 100115 Used to Support Commando Missions Behind Enemy Lines At Kontiolahti Finland

Under Construction

Arado Ar 196 Factory Final Assembly
Arado Ar 196 Factory Final Assembly
Arado Ar 196 Factory production with a Messerschmitt Bf 109 in the lower left corner
Arado Ar 196 Factory production with a Messerschmitt Bf 109 in the lower left corner

Interior Photos

Arado Ar 196 view of the forward cockpit from the observer's position
Arado Ar 196 view of the forward cockpit from the observer’s position
Arado Ar 196 view of the forward cockpit from the observer's position
Arado Ar 196 view of the forward cockpit from the observer’s position
Arado Ar 196 view of the forward cockpit from the observer's position
Arado Ar 196 view of the forward cockpit from the observer’s position
Arado Ar 196 cockpit
Arado Ar 196 cockpit
Arado Ar 196 rear gunner's view
Arado Ar 196 rear gunner’s view

Detailed Exterior Photos

Arado Ar 196 7.92mm machine gun ammunition loading
Arado Ar 196 7.92mm machine gun ammunition loading
Arado Ar 196 mechanic closing cover over the 7.92mm machine gun
Arado Ar 196 mechanic closing cover over the 7.92mm machine gun
Arado Ar 196 wing fold detail
Arado Ar 196 wing fold detail