| Ar 64 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Biplane fighter |
| Manufacturer | Arado |
| Primary user | Luftwaffe |
| Number built | 24[1] |
| History | |
| First flight | Spring 1930[1] |
The Arado Ar 64 was a single-seat biplane fighter designed and produced by the German aircraft manufacturer Arado. It was among the first fighters produced when Germany abandoned the restrictions of the Treaty of Versailles and began rearming.[1]
The Ar 64 was developed from the earlier Arado SD II and Arado SD III specifically to equip the so-called 'display squadrons' of the Reichswehr (German armed forces). It was typically powered by a Siemens (Bristol) Jupiter VI air-cooled radial engine, which had a distinctive streamlined deflector shroud around its cylinders to reduce drag. The Ar 64 was the company's first aircraft to be provisioned with hydraulic brakes. The prototype made its maiden flight in the spring of 1930.
While the aircraft exhibited unfavourable take-off and landing characteristics, as well as structural weaknesses that could led to it breaking up, the Ar 64 emerged as the favourite and received a production contract, unlike the competing Heinkel HD 43. Accordingly, Arado was the first Germany aircraft manufacturer to receive a production order for a fighter. In addition to the Reichswehr, the Ar 64 garnered the attention of the Soviet Union, although no export order was forthcoming. The Ar 64 would be further developed into the Ar 65, an improved fighter powered by the BMW VI inline engine and featuring connected ailerons. Both aircraft were built in parallel through to 1936.