An Arado Ar196 being repared in the Aegan Sea 1942

Arado Ar196

This odd structure is an "alert box", erected around a MeBf 109 fighter, Russia, 1941-'42.  The idea was to preserve the aeroplane's engine, cockpit and front transmission gear from the worst of the cold, allowing it to be launched at relatively short notice without problematic "defrosting".  Still left some scope for icing to the wing extremities and tail, however.  Best regards, JR.

Luftwaffe "alert box", Russia, 1941-'42.

Luftwaffe’s float plane Arado Ar 196A-2 of the 2. Staffel, Seeaufklärungsgruppe 125 (2./SAGr.125) based in the Aegean Theatre at Souda Bay, Crete, after a deployment at Skaramanga, Athens, from July 1942 to December 1943. After this date moved, re-equipped with BV 138, to Sevastopol on Black Sea Front. The Ar 196 of this photo is armed with two under-wing 50 kg bombs SC 50. Victor Sierra