Based on the earlier IAR 21 and in particular the IAR 22 but the design was simplified to allow for mass-production.[1] The IAR 27 was a braced low-wing monoplane powered by a 180 hp (134 kW) IAR 6-G1 piston engine and it had two open cockpits in tandem.[1] More than 200 aircraft were built and they served with both civil and military training schools in Romania.[1]