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Description
The IAR 85 was a further refinement of the abandoned IAR 84 prototypes that sought to correct the new aerodynamic challenges related to first-generation jet fighters. The airframe was kept largely unchanged, but had been stretched and increased the fuel capacity, allowing longer duration missions. Two 23-mm autocannons were implemented below the chin, with additional hardpoints beneath the wings for rockets and fuel tanks. The A version was a general-purpose fighter, whereas the B and C versions served respectively in interceptor and trainer roles. The swept wings allowed greater performance at transonic and sonic speeds, and the newer engine was an improvement over the Soviet Jumo-004 replicas. Unfortunately, the rearward position of the cockpit resulted in mediocre visibility, but at the very least the tricycle undercarriage was very welcome for landing and takeoff manoeuvres.

This aircraft, number 21, was assigned to the 71st Air Base at Campia Turzii, along with a dozen more aircraft. Until the addition of imported Mig-21 in the early 60s, the IAR 85 was the main aircraft of the Romanian Air Force, with several upgrades during its relatively brief lifetime.

Historically, the indigenous Romanian aeronautical industry suffered major setbacks after WW2, when it was forced to scrap its IAR 80/81 fleet and replace it with various Soviet fighters (Mig-15/17/19/21, Yak-17/23, etc). Some factories had to divert production towards agricultural equipment and licensed Soviet aircraft such as the Kamov-126. This idea is similar in concept to the Luft 46 designs, but for the Romanian Air Force. Currently building a scale model of an IAR 80 may or may not have led to thinking about a jet version of it. May have. And it's free game up to IAR 92 for other designs.

Description
The IAR 85 was a further refinement of the abandoned IAR 84 prototypes that sought to correct the new aerodynamic challenges related to first-generation jet fighters. The airframe was kept largely unchanged, but had been stretched and increased the fuel capacity, allowing longer duration missions. Two 23-mm autocannons were implemented below the chin, with additional hardpoints beneath the wings for rockets and fuel tanks. The A version was a general-purpose fighter, whereas the B and C versions served respectively in interceptor and trainer roles. The swept wings allowed greater performance at transonic and sonic speeds, and the newer engine was an improvement over the Soviet Jumo-004 replicas. Unfortunately, the rearward position of the cockpit resulted in mediocre visibility, but at the very least the tricycle undercarriage was very welcome for landing and takeoff manoeuvres.

This aircraft, number 21, was assigned to the 71st Air Base at Campia Turzii, along with a dozen more aircraft. Until the addition of imported Mig-21 in the early 60s, the IAR 85 was the main aircraft of the Romanian Air Force, with several upgrades during its relatively brief lifetime.

Historically, the indigenous Romanian aeronautical industry suffered major setbacks after WW2, when it was forced to scrap its IAR 80/81 fleet and replace it with various Soviet fighters (Mig-15/17/19/21, Yak-17/23, etc). Some factories had to divert production towards agricultural equipment and licensed Soviet aircraft such as the Kamov-126. This idea is similar in concept to the Luft 46 designs, but for the Romanian Air Force. Currently building a scale model of an IAR 80 may or may not have led to thinking about a jet version of it. May have. And it's free game up to IAR 92 for other designs.