The Arado Ar 196 was one of the most produced and most effective seaplanes of World War II. It went into service with the German navy in 1939 and was the standard aircraft aboard all German battleships (Bismarck, Tirpitz, Gneisenau etc). This versatile aircraft was used for patrol and reconnaissance purposes, but was later also used aboard German merchant ships in order to track down enemy warships. For pursuing submarines it could also carry small bombs under the wings. The total production was almost 500. The new Revell model has surface details with incised engravings and textured imitation materials. The model includes two floats, a detailed BMW 132K engine and a very detailed cockpit.