1/72 IAR.80B Romanian Fighter Over Stalingrad

The IAR.80 was a Romanian fighter aircraft developed from the late 1930s by Industria Aeronautică Română. It was one of the few modern types to be developed outside the major air powers. The IAR.80B version, introduced in 1941, was equipped with more powerful armament in the form of six 7.92 mm FN Browning machine guns and enhanced armour protection for the pilot and fuel tanks. The machine retained good agility and speed, and although it lagged behind the most advanced fighters of its time, it was able to withstand the combat conditions of the Eastern Front.

Romanian IAR.80Bs were heavily deployed in 1942 during the Battle of Stalingrad, where they operated alongside the Luftwaffe. Their main tasks consisted of fighter protection of their own units and escorting bombers. Pilots with these machines achieved several successes against Soviet aircraft, although the technical superiority of the enemy gradually weakened their capabilities. Nevertheless, the IAR.80B has gone down in history as a symbol of Romania's efforts to develop its own modern fighter aircraft.

The 1/72nd scale IBG kit offers a detailed IAR.80B model with fine surface details, a realistic cockpit and authentic Romanian markings. This makes it possible to create a faithful replica of a fighter that took part in one of the most important battles of World War II. The model is suitable for both stand-alone displays and dioramas depicting aerial battles over the Eastern Front.

The package does not include paint or glue needed for assembly.