IAR, 1925 - 1985 medal, Aircraft type?

[Tyke]

I recently added this medal, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the founding of the IAR factory at Brasov, to my collection.



The medal is 57 mm in diameter, with a design on one side only, bright gilt in colour and with a milled edge. It is complete with its fitted case - grey cloth covered and lined on the inside with cream coloured silk.

I have looked in Axworthy's "Third Axis Fourth Ally" and the plane depicted on the medal seems to be an IAR 80, or 81, of some sort.

Can a member of the forum with aviation expertise identify the model of IAR for me please?

Also - what does the number 108 on the tail of the plane denote please?

Alan in Bradford

Title should read 1925 - 1995 (I must take more care with my typing).

This post has been edited by Tyke on May 01, 2009 11:13 pm

[Radub]

The aircraft is indeed a IAR80A. The 108 on the tail is the serial number, respectively it is the 108th airframe manufactured.
HTH
Radu

[CipTus]

A Striking and Beautiful Medal Indeed that you have here Ron. Thank You for posting this.
Sharp case also.
Bud