72567 – 1/72 – IAR.80B Romanian Fighters Over Stalingrad 1942

The I.A.R.80 and 81 were Romania’s only domestically designed and mass-produced fighters of World War II, earning a reputation for resilience and effectiveness despite facing technologically superior opponents from the USAAF, Soviet VVS, Luftwaffe, and Hungarian air forces. Built by Industria Aeronautică Română (I.A.R.) in Brașov, the aircraft’s design drew on earlier experience with all-metal monoplane construction and Polish P.11F technology, resulting in a modern, sleek, and efficient airframe. Around 450 aircraft were built in various evolving versions, including the I.A.R.80 fighter and the I.A.R.81 fighter-bomber, with visible differences in dimensions and armament due to continuous development.

The I.A.R.80B variant was introduced in 1941 to improve firepower against Soviet aircraft, equipped with six machine guns (two 13.2 mm and four 7.92 mm Brownings) and later featuring lengthened fuselage and wings. During the Stalingrad campaign, Romanian units equipped with I.A.R.80A, 80B, and 81 aircraft supported Axis operations from forward airfields such as Tusov and Morozovskaya, mainly providing bomber escort and ground attack missions. Harsh winter conditions and the Soviet counteroffensive during Operation Uranus forced Romanian pilots to adapt to freezing temperatures and emergency combat roles. Despite their courage and skill, the I.A.R. units suffered heavy losses and were withdrawn to Romania in early 1943, marking the end of their participation in one of the war’s fiercest battles.

For more information on the differences between variants of the aircraft go to:
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