Arado Ar 196A-2 -6W+AN- (43467285664)

c/n unknown. This was one of two Ar 196 aircraft aboard the German Cruiser 'Blücher' when it lead the invasion force heading for Olso on 9th April 1940. In what became the Battle of Drøbak Sound, the 'Blücher' was caught in the early hours by Norwegian coastal defence batteries. She was hit several times and caught fire. The second hit struck near the aircraft hangar, with the ensuing fire and explosion destroying both of the ships Arado floatplanes. Land based torpedo batteries later scored two hits on the ship. Disabled, she eventually capsized and sank, with great loss of life. In 1991 the Norwegian government decided to remove as much oil as possible from the wreck, as it was leaking at an increased rate which presented an environmental risk. In October 1994, some 1,000tons of oil was removed, cleaned and then sold. The opportunity was taken to raise the remains of one of the two Arado 196s, which took place on 9th November that year. Considering it was damaged in the original fire and explosion and then spent 54 years underwater, the fuselage frame seems to have survived in remarkably good condition. Unrestored, it remains on display at the Flyhistorisk Museum, Sola, Norway.