Classic Combat Aircraft     |   home
                                                  
Arado AR 196

The Ar 196 was designed primarily to replace the He 60 biplane then currently in service on all of Germany's capital ships. One of the few seaplanes to see service in the Atlantic and Mediterrenian, the Ar 196's primary duties consisted of reconnaissance and shadowing of service vessels. While in most respects the Ar 196 is not a formidable aircraft, for a seaplane it's performance exceeded it's Allied counterparts. After Germany's capital ships ceased active participation in the war, most Ar 196's were relegated to sea patrols from shore bases. About 50 planes served with Balkan air forces in the Adriatic and Black Sea.

                             

Type: Two-seat maritime patrol aircraft

Engine:1
BMW 132K nine-cylinder radial
960 hp

Dimensions:
Span: 12.4m
Length: 11m
Height: 4.4m

Weights:
Empty: 6.580lb (2990kg)
Loaded: 8,223lb (3730kg)

Performance:
Speed: 193mph (310km/h)
Initial climb: 980ft (300m)/min
Service ceiling: 23,000ft
Range: 670 miles (1070km)

Armament:
Twin MG FF 20mm cannon in wings outboard of propeller disc
One MG 17 7.92mm in top decking
Twin MG 15 on pivoted mounting aimed by observer.
Rack under each wing for 110lb (50kg) bomb.