The Arado Ar.196 was the most commonly used German seaplane of the Second World War. Employed primarily as a costal reconnaissance aircraft, it later served as an anti-submarine aircraft and convoy escort. Deployed aboard the German Navy's most famous battleships, the 196 was often the eyes of the German fleet. Used during the Bismarck engangement as well as by the ill-fated Graf Spee, the Arado came to symbolise the German Navy's reconnaissance capabilities.
The Bismarck was equipped with four Arado Ar196 aircraft for reconnaissance, patrol missions, and artillery spotting. The aircraft were launched on a catapult that could be extended beyond the ship's sides. After completing a mission, the aircraft landed on the water and was then lifted aboard by one of the big 12-ton cranes.