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The only good thing about the Arado Ar 231 is that it was small, very
small. In fact it was so tiny that, after having folded one wing on
top of the other, the Ar 231 could be stored in a submarine's
watertight, cylindrical compartment, which was, of course, the
intended purpose of the aircraft. The plane was, however, very
difficult to handle in the air, even more so on water since it
was so delicate and fragile. The Ar 231 could not take off save in the
lightest winds and calmest seas. In addition, it was inadequately
powered and sometimes the radio had to be removed and fuel drained to
reduce weight. The program was dropped after some testing in 1941-42,
six having been built. The auxiliary cruiser
KMS Stier took two Ar 231s with her and her captain
regretted having done so. |
