IAR 80

[cardboard_killer]

[80 Years ago today] "• The Industria Aeronautică Română Model 80 enters service with the Aeronautică Regală Română. An exceptionally advanced fighter when designed in 1937, production was delayed by shortages of the French Gnome-Rhône 14K Mistral engines, and German refusal to deliver purchased Belgian FN 7.92mm machine guns until Romania joined the Tripartite Pact in November, 1940. Initial versions have only four guns, though subsequent ones will have six, with some having two guns replaced by 13.2mm machine guns or 20mm cannons, mostly scrounged from other aircraft.

- The Romanians have negotiated with Daimler-Benz and BMW for more powerful engines, but their production is earmarked for the Luftwaffe and the companies decline to license their designs. The Romanian leadership will also disrupt production by ordering a dive bomber capable variant, the IAR-81. 450 of all types will be built, and the series will remain in service into 1949."