IAR SA still flies after 80 years
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The aircraft industry of Brasov celebrated recently 80 years of activity. On October 11, 1927 the factory begun to function in the present location of Tractorul UTB, as the first airplanes facility of Romania. The ostentatious celebration, marked by military honours, was attended by pilots, ex-workers of the factory and politicians.
On the History's Wings
- June 25, 1925 - signing of the establishment act of the "Romanian Aeronautic Enterprise" - November 10, 1925 - signing of the first commercial contract - October 11, 1927 - the factory opens its gates - November 1, 1951 - the gliders division is annexed to the "Romanian Aircraft Enterprise" - October 1, 1968 - establishing of the "Aircraft Enterprise" Ghimbav - December 4, 1970 - signing of the governmental agreement concerning the Romanian-French cooperation in the aircraft camp and the licence contract IAR 316 B Alouette III. - March 19, 1984 - signing of the governmental Romanian-Soviet agreement for the fabrication of the multifunctional helicopter KA 126 - January 28, 1991 - "Aircraft Enterprise" Ghimbav becomes SC IAR SA Brasov - May 26, 1998 - the first official flight of Puma SOCAT helicopter, endowed with high-level war and aircraft technique - February 23, 2002 - establishing of the mixed company SC Eurocopter Romania SA, with main shareholders Eurocopter SAS France - Germany and SC IAR SA. - April 21, 2002 - signing of the delivery contract to the United Arabian Emirates of 25 PUMA SM helicopters - ultramodern version, endowed with Makila engines, four axes automatic pilot, VMS monitoring system and state-of-the-art radio-navigation systems - October 1, 2004 - establishing of the SC Aircraft Constructions SA by the separation of the fix wing activity.
Eurocopter SAS - a hope for the future
According to Neculai Banea, general manager of IAR SA Brasov, the factory history is not yet written. "The possible privatisation through Eurocopter SAS, one of the pylons of the world aircraft industry, will ensure the connection between the golden generation of the local aircraft industry and the new promotions of students" Banea stated.
