IAR 80
| IAR 80 / IAR 81 | |
|---|---|
| Pair of Romanian IAR 80s | |
| General information | |
| Type | Fighter aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Industria Aeronautică Română (IAR) |
| Primary user | Royal Romanian Air Force |
| Number built | 450 |
| History | |
| Manufactured | 1940–1944 |
| Introduction date | February 1941 |
| First flight | 12 April 1939 |
| Retired | 1949 1952 (IAR-80DC) |
| Developed from | PZL P.24 |
The IAR 80 was a Romanian World War II low-wing monoplane, all-metal monocoque fighter and ground-attack aircraft. When it first flew, in 1939, it was comparable to contemporary designs being deployed by the airforces of the most advanced military powers such as the Hawker Hurricane and Bf 109E. Production problems and lack of available armament delayed entry of the IAR 80 into service until 1941. It remained in frontline use until the end of the war.