IAR.80 AND IAR.81, THE: Airframe, Systems and Equipment

by Radu Brinzan

Possibly one of the most significant aircraft of WW2, but one that has been virtually forgotten. During the war it fought the Russians (as well as the Americans and then later the Germans) - when the war ended and Romania was under the Russian sphere of influence, the pilots, engineers, mechanics that worked on this aircraft were hunted down and many of them ended up in the Russian Gulags. As a result, Romanians were afraid to talk about it, and because Romania was stuck behind the Iron Curtain, western researchers had no access to info. This combination of factors led to the type being overlooked. Performance-wise, it was in the same class as a Bf-109E or Hurricane, with enough powder to face the P-38s, and even Mustangs, and was extremely lethal against the B-24 Liberators that came to Ploesti. It also scored numerous 'kills' against the Russians and there is a long list of aces who gained this title while flying the IAR.80.

Genres: Aviation

128 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2010

Reviews

[Erik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think one would be hard pressed to find anything in the English language better on the topic of this Romanian fighter. I was very impressed with the detail level and supporting photographs, and the only thing missing was a more detailed accounting of air actions involving the IAR 80/81 aircraft like Shore's works on the Mediterranean air war.

While a fan of hardbacks, this soft cover book was well assembled and I found no glaring errors or typos. Good job publishers!

Overall, this is a high quality book for the WW2 air enthusiast and a must-buy for folks interested in Axis aircraft of non-German origin. Solid 4.5 Stars, rounding up for the strong references, drawings, and plates.

[Kym Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would venture to say that this book is the authority on the under appreciated and all but forgotten tough little Romanian fighter, the IAR 80 and 81. Brinzan has gone into great detail and has shown his tremendous depth of knowledge on this fighter.

The book is vastly comprehensive in its attention to detail, though the book only focuses on the technical information and development of the fighter. While also offering splendid schematics, colour plates, cut aways and detailed photos which are invaluable to model makers or aircraft enthusiasts.

The authors passion and love for the subject matter comes through in every page as the book is set out with such consideration and dedication so as to depict his appreciation for the fighter plane.

The real weakness of the book, for me, was that it provided nearly no service or operational history for the fighter. Perhaps this would be found in a follow up volume. That being said this book is not intended to focus on such information, the author makes this clear in every way.

A very quick read but a tremendous source book for any one interested in the fighter or Romanian war time aviation. A book which provides great re reading and information re absorption.

A true specialist book and a credible authority on the subject.

85%

[Armin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best book about the IAR-80 I could put my hands on. From experimental variants to paint scheme research, if you want to know anything about this plane, you need this book.

The author is also extremely responsive when I emailed him about another airframe that was converted to DC (dublă comandă / 2 seater) variant.