Arado Ar. 196A
TAMIYA / 1:48 (37006)

German Navy's Significant Floatplane. The Arado Ar196A was used by the German Navy and was used in a wide range of roles during WWII. The sturdy, low-wing monoplane metal construction was equipped with twin float and a 960hp BMW132K air-cooled radial engine that provided the aircraft with superb flight performance and stability on the sea surface. It was armed with two 7.9mm machine guns at the front and rear, two 20mm cannons, and hardpoints for 50kg bombs. Deployment began in 1939 and the aircraft were loaded onboard battleships Bismarck and Printz Eugen as well as auxiliary cruisers. In addition to shipboard units, they were also used by coastal reconnaissance units for reconnaissance, patrol, and anti-shipping missions using their heavy armament. The aircraft continued to conduct reconnaissance and patrol missions from coastal bases until the end of the war.