1/72 IBG Model PZL/IAR P.11F Romanian Fighter 72521 – IBG Models

ThePZL P.11Fwas the third most numerous variant of the Puławski-wing Polish fighter family, after the P.11c and P.7a. Its development began in1934, when Poland sought foreign buyers for its new P.11c. A prototype (P.11/V) shown at the1934 Paris Air Showattracted Romania, which had already operated P.11Bs. Romania purchased a production license in early 1935, though political and financial issues delayed the transfer of the prototype—fitted with anIAR 9K (600 hp) engine—until early 1936.

Production at theIAR factory in Brașovbegan late 1936 with Polish technical assistance and some Polish-made components (notablySzomański propellersandStomil tires). Compared with the P.11c, the Romanian P.11F had a different engine and cowling, a new propeller, Romanian instruments, andfour 7.92 mm FN Browning guns, making it the best-armed P.11 variant. Building the all-metal P.11F gave IAR valuable experience later applied to theIAR 80fighter.

The first P.11Fs entered Romanian service inJuly 1937; the last of95 aircraftwas delivered inNovember 1938. Although aging by then, they formed a significant regional air force asset. P.11Fs served during the1940 criseswith the USSR and Hungary, the1941 invasion of Yugoslavia, andOperation Barbarossa, mainly in ground-attack roles. Withdrawn from the front at the end of 1941, they continued in air defense and training roles until1948. No P.11F survives today.