The Arado Ar 96K-1 was an export version of the trainer designed specifically for the Chilean Air Force (Fuerza Aérea de Chile (FACh). It differed from the main production versions of the Ar 96 in being a single-seat advanced trainer and light ground attack aircraft. Shown here is 581, the eleventh Ar 96K-1 delivered, in desert camouflage for operations from Base Aérea La Chamiza near the Atacama desert. Due to weight reductions, the Ar 96K-1 was able to carry four 50 kg bombs underwing, along with two nose mounted 7.62 mm machine guns and an underwing camera.
This was the Special Hobby Ar 96B-1. I was almost finished building it, with the intention of doing an OOB build, but with Chilean markings, but I couldn't let it go without some major surgery, so I removed rear cockpit by slicing off the turtleback and moving it forward, and removing the center section of the canopy. I'm really proud of how it turned out. Most people who see it don't even realize that its modified until I point it out. Just wish I had thought of this during the COIN Group Build!
Hope you like it!
Chuck