Coming: Kit FR8001 IAR 81-C (1/32 nd) - release June 2013
History:
The IAR 80/81 fighter was used by ARR (Royal Rumanian Airforce) during WWII. Only home designed fighter put in service by Rumania during the conflict, it was built in impressive numbers for the country (450 units). This plane was used first against Soviet Union. Tooking part in the defence of Ploisti oil complexes, it fought the US Liberators and Lightnings. Then, after the coup of August 1944, 23 rd, the IAR 80s were engaged against Germany and Hungary with the Soviet Union, until German capitulation.
=> for camouflages and decals, please have a look at the IAR 81-C dedicated page
The last version, IAR 81-C, although designed for dive bombing, was almost exclusively used in the fighter role.
Some references:
Rumanian Air Force, the prime decade, 1938-1947, Denes Bernad, Squadron/Signal Publications
IAR 80, Dan Antoniu and Georges Cicos, Editions TMA (in french)
Rumanian Aces of World War II, Denes Bernad, Osprey Publishing
Rumanian Fighter Colours 1941 - 1945, Teodor Liviu Morosanu, Dan Alexandru Melinte, MMP books
The I.A.R 80 & I.A.R. 81, Airframe, Systems & Equipment, Radu Brinzan, SAM Publications
Note: all IAR 81-C from 300 to 450 were produced after introduction of the olive green topsides / light grey blue undersides. Profiles of such planes with standard dark brown and dark green camouflage on top, light blue undersides would have to be taken with care.
