War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

Su-25BM

2023-08-23T23:21:08Z

U115020311: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card
|code=su_25_558arz
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a gift rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update "La Royale"]] as a reward for the [[wt:en/news/8384-event-summer-extreme-en|2023 Summer Extreme]] event.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 1,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 969 || 962 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 27.4 || 28.1 || 67.2 || 63.0 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| ✓ || X || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| 1,100  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 900 || - || 420 || ~7 || ~3
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 500 || < 600 || < 700 || -
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | _____ || _
| colspan="2" | _,___ kg || colspan="2" | ___ kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel
|-
| ___ kg || colspan="2" | ___
| _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (___%/WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || ___%/WEP
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || ___ kgf || ___ kgf
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
| ''Optimal'' || ___ kgf (_ km/h) || ___ kgf (_ km/h)
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

The Su-25BM's airframe is strong, able to take hits on critical parts of the aircraft and still make it back to base. The Su-25BM has plenty of armour around the cockpit and inside the fuselage, with bulletproof glass being the main protection of the pilot.

256 countermeasures allow the aircraft to avoid IR and radar-guided missiles with ease. This, and the fact that the engines lack any type of afterburner/WEP, makes it hard for enemy missiles to follow the Su-25BM reliably. Only the more advanced missiles are able to get a good lock on the Su-25BM, and even then, manoeuvring after dropping 2 or 4 flares will be more than enough to avoid most of them.

Fuel tanks are self-sealing, which means that in case of any fuel tank fire, the fuel tank will be able to stop the fire most of the time. In case a fire happens inside the engine and not on a fuel tank, the Su-25BM also has EFS as a modification. This modification is capable of extinguishing any fire that's inside an engine, leaving the affected engine inoperable, but saving the airframe from further fire damage.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs) !! Lead indicator
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|GSh-30-2 (30 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 30 mm GSh-30-2 cannon, chin-mounted (250 rpg)
* 256 x countermeasures

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}


The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10
| rowspan="25" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_Su-25.png]]</div>
|-
! [[GSh-23L (23 mm)|23 mm GSh-23L]] cannons (250 rpg)
| || || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
! [[OFAB-100 (100 kg)|100 kg OFAB-100]] bombs
| || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 ||
|-
! [[OFAB-250sv (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250sv]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[OFAB-250Sh (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250Sh]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[FAB-500M-62 (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500M-62]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[FAB-500Sh (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500Sh]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[KAB-500Kr (500 kg)|500 kg KAB-500Kr]] bombs
| || || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
! [[ZB-500 incendiary]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-5K]] rockets
| || 32 || 32 || 32 || 32 || 32 || 32 || 32 || 32 ||
|-
! [[S-8KO]] rockets
| || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 ||
|-
! [[S-13OF]] rockets
| || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 ||
|-
! [[S-24B]] rockets
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-25O]] rockets
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-25OF]] rockets
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-25OFM]] rockets
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[Kh-25]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[Kh-25ML]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[Kh-29L]] missiles
| || || || || 1 || 1 || || || ||
|-
! [[Kh-29T]] missiles
| || || || || 1 || 1 || || || ||
|-
! [[R-60MK]] missiles
| 1 || || || || || || || || || 1
|-
! [[R-73]] missiles
| || 1 || || || || || || || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-25L]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! 800 l drop tanks
| || || || || 1 || 1 || || || ||
|-
| colspan="11" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}

* 2 x 800 l drop tanks
* 2 x R-60MK missiles
* 2 x R-73 missiles
* 32 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (3,200 kg total)
* 8 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 8 x 250 kg OFAB-250Sh bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 8 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 8 x 500 kg FAB-500Sh bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 4 x 500 kg KAB-500Kr bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 8 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs
* 256 x S-5K rockets
* 160 x S-8KO rockets
* 40 x S-13OF rockets
* 8 x S-24B rockets
* 8 x S-25O rockets
* 4 x S-25L missiles
* 4 x Kh-25ML missiles
* 2 x Kh-29L missiles
* 2 x Kh-29T missiles
* 4 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 1,000 total)
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

The Su-25BM is very effective at its ground attack role, having an extremely wide variety of bombs, rockets and missiles. This particular Su-25 variant has a powerful Ballistic Computer, higher amount of bombs, and the ability to mount 256 S-5K rockets. Durable and powerful, it can defend itself more reliably with the R-73 missiles, which are advanced air-to-air missiles that turn the Su-25BM into a threat for enemy aircraft that try to engage it. However, this plane will have to fly with advanced fighters and ground attack aircraft around, usually facing SARH or ARH missiles, so the pilot must avoid any kind of air-to-air combat and only use its R-73 in self-defense when a fighter is either going or about to engage.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Mounts R-73 missiles, which are extremely effective
* Capable of equipping a large amount of air-to-ground armament
* Powerful chin-mounted 30 mm cannon

'''Cons:'''

* Has a relatively low top speed, capable of ripping its own wings in level flight
* Low amount of ammo for the 30 mm cannon
* Low maneuverability

== History ==

''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''

== Media ==

''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==

''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==

''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''

{{USSR jet aircraft}}

Me 163 B

2023-08-08T02:53:10Z

U115020311: /* Pros and cons */

{{About
| about = German jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the version with 20 mm MG 151 cannons
| link = Me 163 B-0
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=me-163b
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.

Even at BR 8.0, few jets can out run, out climb, or out turn the Komet, and even fewer can do all three at the same time. Even the highest BR jets cannot threaten this tiny terror lightly, lest it feasts on their blood! Although hard to catch, it is not hard to kill. The very short 6-minute fuel supply is its Achilles heel: if possible, just avoid the Komet until its fuel is spent for an easier kill. Still, any disciplined Komet jockey can overcome its shortcomings, rocketing high above the map, cut throttle, and easily glide at a mind-blowing 400 km/h to action. Stay above 5,000 m for its best performance, unless all targets are lower, and perform vertical manoeuvres to preserve precious energy. The craft is very sturdy and only the most extreme manoeuvres can break the wings so push it. Conversely don't chase top jets, get altitude, let them come to you (they will). High closing speeds require maxed out crews Keen Vision and G-Tolerance and majority of Awareness, and of course Expert qualification.

[[File:Cockpit_Me163.jpg|thumbnail|right|The Me 163's instrument panel.]]
There are two characteristics that make the Me 163 what it is in War Thunder. The first is its powerful rocket engine, the second is its low fuel supply. The latter means that the Komet must rush into the battlefield quickly before its fuel supply falls low and it needs to land at an airbase. Its huge thrust-to-weight ratio guarantees however that the Komet will be able to engage the enemy very early on in a match. Whenever the enemy team is climbing or gaining speed at sea level, the experienced Me 163 pilot will always find some unsuspecting prey. Remember, when engaging an enemy, turning off the rocket engine is the wisest choice, as to operate on safe speeds and to conserve fuel.

The Me 163 B-1 is a fun to play aircraft that provides a very different play style. For that reason, it always succeeds in seducing players. It may be frustrating at times, but its particularity will always make it a plane worth flying.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 4,500 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 943 || 933 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 21.2 || 21.3 || 27.7 || 25.0 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 966 || 955 || 20.8 || 21.0 || 46.4 || 37.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| ✓ || X || ✓ || X || X || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 598 || N/A || 420 || ~10 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 790 || < 600 || < 690 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="3" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="1" | Empty mass || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Walter HWK 109-509A-2 || 1
| colspan="1" | 1,900 kg || colspan="2" | 199 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="2" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 1m fuel || 6m fuel
|-
| 166 kg || colspan="2" | Liquid-fuel rocket
| 2,235 kg || 3,910 kg || 4,297 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="3" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 1m fuel || 6m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 1,700 kgf || N/A
| 0.76 || 0.43 || 0.40
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 1,700 kgf (any speed) || N/A
| 0.76 || 0.43 || 0.40
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}


* 90 mm Bulletproof glass in front of the pilot.
* 15 mm Steel plate cone in the nose.
* 13 mm Steel plates behind the pilot.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|MK 108 (30 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 2 x 30 mm MK 108 cannons, wing-mounted (60 rpg = 120 total)

The two cannons are mounted with one in each wing. Each is armed with the same amount of ammunition, which means that all guns will fire together until empty.

== Usage in battles ==


====Tactics====

The Me 163 brings energy fighting to a whole new level thanks to its immense rate of climb and acceleration, creating its own subgenre of fighting style only shared with the [[Ki-200]] and partially with the [[Me 262 C-1a|Heimatschützer variants of the Me-262]]. Instead of just the usual speed/altitude dynamic, the German rocket fighter brings in a new element, fuel supply. Fuel management is a constant worry when flying in the 163. The most energy-efficient way of using the Komet's engine is to use it to its fullest when climbing, to then shut it off whilst engaging enemies, so, if possible, avoid using the Komet's engine in a straight line. If you are chasing an enemy and you're at a lower energy state than the bandit, it is, of course, reasonable to turn on the engine to catch the enemy, but then, if you are at a lower energy state than an enemy, you've probably done something wrong.

It is important for the Komet pilot to pick targets with care and to only commit to a target when there's a good chance of success as to not waste any advantages. Fortunately, the Me 163 B's weaponry allows for neutralizing foes in just a short burst. When engaging or evading a target, the Komet can make use of its splendid turning ability, yet every pilot should keep in mind that when its fuel tank is full, this aircraft's wings are very prone to rip at high G's due to the extra weight.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Very high climb rate and acceleration
* Great speed at altitude
* Can go over Mach 1 in level flight at very high altitudes (~15,500 m)
* Excellent manoeuvrability
* One of the best turn rates of the rank
* Powerful 30 mm MK 108 cannons that are extremely deadly
* Small target
* good energy retention

'''Cons:'''

* Extremely limited fuel capacity
* Prone to wing overload crashes when the fuel tanks are full
* Vulnerable airframe
* Aircraft easily compresses during high speed
* Unfavourable armament ballistics for fighting jets
* No take-off flaps
* No airbrakes

== History ==

The aptly named "Komet" (Comet) was not an emergency fighter but a result of years of development, all the brainchild of one of the great aircraft pioneers, Dr. Alexander Lippisch. Following the first world war, he was employed with the Zeppelin Company, a prestigious company with leading aeronautical research. There he became interested in tailless aircraft and despite the Versailles Treaty restricted times experimented and developed many tail first (canards, French for "duck") and tailless gliders. In 1928 Fritz von Opel, son of the famous automotive manufacture and infamous for rocket-powered vehicles wanted to make a rocket-powered aircraft, and the Lippisch "Ente" (duck) was perfect. Although the Ente was destroyed on its second flight and Opel moved on to make his own design, the seed for rocket-powered aircraft was planted in Lippisch.

By the late 1930's the basic design of what would eventually become the Me 163 was taking shape. The engine that was eventually chosen was made by Hellmuth Walter Kommanditgesellschaft, maker of reliable RATO units. On 2 January 1939 Lippisch joined the Messerschmitt group with its much better manufacturing ability, completing the experimental aircraft. With the successful experimental design test flights in the 1940 work progressed on the next version, the Me 163A - reusing an RLM airframe number from the cancelled Bf 163 as a disguise - and first flew on 1 September 1941. The aircraft had phenomenal performance, but the cutting edge technology was highly unreliable and dangerous. It was not a priority project and it was another 2 years before the larger combat capable Me 163 B was ready for action and a few months after that before it has its baptism of fire and history.

The Me-163 began life at the "Deutsche Forschungsanstalt für Segelflug" as a modification of the Lippisch Delta IV glider, known as the DFS 39.

A larger version, called the DFS 194, powered by a propeller, was abandoned before completion, and Lippisch's team (now at Messerschmitt) focused entirely on the design of the rocket-powered version. The airframe was finally completed in 1940, and the first production model flew in 1941.

Attempts to optimize the Me-163 for mass production, as well as the fitting of the HWK 109-509, as opposed to the old Walter R-1-203 engine, resulted in the Me-163B, that began production in late 1941.

In July 1944 a tiny aircraft tore through the formation of B-17 bombers spitting fire. The turrets could not turn fast enough, barely able to follow the streak with their eyes too. Although none of the B-17s were hit, the incident shook the bomber crews to the core, an enemy fighter that came out of nowhere, too fast to track and too small to aim at. In later encounters, P-51 fighter escorts also found themselves impotent against this little plane. So advanced was this revolutionary fighter.

Intended for point intercept when everything worked just right it fulfilled its duty admirably, but those chances were rare and in the end, with about a dozen kill credits it did not achieve its ambitious goals.

Although a failure as a fighter, the Komet was the most revolutionary aircraft ever and achieved many world records, including the first to exceed 1,000 km/h and to reach its critical Mach in level flight. It inspired many experimental rocket aircraft in its wake, Ki-200, X-1, X-15, even the Space Shuttle are descendants of that little plane. Dr. Lippisch also greatly contributed to flight, working for Convair post-war developing his delta wing designs, this technology eventually resulting in the supersonic F-102, F-106, B-58, and inspiration for Concorde and shape of the Space Shuttle among dozens of others. This tiny plane and its inventor literally changed the shape of aviation.

{{break}}
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
The Messerschmitt Ме 163 Komet was a German rocket-powered interceptor. Its first flight took place on 1st September 1941. A very small number was produced; only 91 before the end of 1944. First combat for the Komet took place on 14th May 1944.

The Me 163 was a unique aircraft standing virtually alone in aviation history. The Komet was the only operational tailless aircraft and the only operational rocket fighter of WWII. In addition, it had other unique features, including its very narrow role, a daylight short-range interceptor used for pin-point defense of strategic targets, with a record-breaking top speed and climb rate.

First production Me 163 B-0 variants, produced in early 1943, were armed with twin 20mm Mauser MG 151/20 cannon with 100 rounds per gun. By the 47th production variant, the Komet was upgunned to twin 30mm Mk 108 cannon. The designation was then changed to Me 163 B-1. The B-1 had 60 rounds per gun. This armament met with some criticism from contemporary engineers. The Mk 108 had a low rate of fire and poor reliability. Statistically, the weapon failed once per every 100 rounds fired. In the constantly changing conditions of aerial combat, the 163 could simply run out of shells before having a chance to successfully destroy a heavy bomber.
{{Navigation-End}}

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=me-163b Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|2NgpHefq0hc|'''Rocket Planes''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 02:13 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|INb9VjLxKf0|'''Most unusual aircraft''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 2:24 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|y_BcBzYVOeU|'''The Shooting Range #116''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 09:19 discusses the Me 163.}}

== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/320874-messerschmitt-me-163-b-1/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer BFW}}
{{Germany jet aircraft}}

Ta 152 H-1

2023-08-08T02:46:37Z

U115020311: /* Pros and cons */

{{About
| about = German fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the other version
| link = Ta 152 C-3
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=ta-152h-1
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


While the Ta 152 H-1 is the ultimate evolution of the Fw 190, the [[Ta 152 C-3]] takes the Fw 190's concepts to their limit. Don't be dissuaded however, the H-1 is a different beast altogether. Fast, manoeuvrable, and stable past 350 km/h, it is more nimble than most enemies at its BR, has a decent climb rate, short turn time (especially with landing flaps), and above average roll rate. The Ta 152 H-1 trades the incredible roll rate of the Fw 190 for a great energy retention and turnfighting ability. You will outclimb most competitors and will usually have an altitude advantage due to the interceptor airspawn.

[[File:Cockpit Ta152.jpg|x150px|right|thumb|none|Cockpit of the Ta 152]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 10,200 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 725 || 707 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 21.1 || 21.3 || 14.0 || 14.0 || rowspan="2" | 315
|-
! Upgraded
| 788 || 755 || 20.3 || 20.5 || 22.2 || 17.5
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 667 || 536 || 404 || ~11 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 360 || < 220 || < 500 || > 320
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
[[File:Ta 152 H-1 armor schematic.png|thumb|400px|Armour diagram of the Ta 152 H-1, corresponds to the list on the left]]


# 15 mm Steel - Engine cowling and radiator shield
# 8 mm Steel - Oil cooling system shield
# 10 mm Steel - Angled ammunition and pilot armour
# 6 mm Steel - Instrument panel and pilot armour
# 70 mm Angled bulletproof glass - Armoured windscreen
# 20 mm Steel - Pilot's headrest
# 8 mm Steel + 5 mm Steel - Rear pilot shield
# 5 mm Steel - Fuel tank shield

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|MK 108 (30 mm)|MG 151 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 30 mm MK 108 cannon, nose-mounted (90 rpg)
* 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons, wing-mounted (175 rpg = 350 total)

== Usage in battles ==

'''Usual tactic:'''

The Ta 152 H-1 is a high altitude fighter with a wide wingspan and good manoeuvrability. Unlike its heavier cousin the [[Ta 152 C-3]], the H-1's best performance is reached when flying above 9,000 m (~30,000 ft) altitude as this is where the engine performs at maximum efficiency, but at 6,500m it's engine stop overheating, and 500m above, the GM-1 nitrous oxide boost the engine creating a huge horse power boost. A Ta 152 H-1 with altitude advantage is a deadly force to be reckoned with, having a great dive speed and energy retention, making it an efficient Hit and Run plane. With an interceptor airspawn, the climbing phase is shortened. However, the pilot must be aware of planes with a high climb rate like Spitfires or P-51s, as they can absolutely possess an altitude advantage at first contact, despite having to take off from the ground.

'''Strengths:'''

Even though the Ta 152 H-1 is an high altitude fighter, it can still perform at medium and low altitudes. Being quite manoeuvrable, it can do well in a dogfight against certain opponents, as you can quickly turn the tide of a dogfight due to your MER and good turn rate with combat flaps. However, some nimbler opponents will outmanoeuvre it easily if they possess an energy advantage. In these situations, it is best for the Ta 152 H-1 to use its primary strengths (speed, turning, and manoeuvring energy retention (MER)), to gain the upper hand. Another role for the Ta 152 H-1 is the interception of heavy bombers at high altitude. Even if the bomber is trying to escape, the Ta 152 H-1 will quickly catch up thanks to its powerful engine.

'''Flaps on the Ta-152:'''

When using this aircraft, you need to have in mind that you will need to master Ta 152's amazing flaps performance to masters this plane. Using landing flaps can be difficult initially, but it grants the fighter a incredible turn rate against all targets in its BR, making adversaries such as the F8F or La 9 easy targets. If you have the upper energy, making multiple enemies as P-51 and Ki-84 not so dangerous, and in ideal conditions making it more nimble than A6Ms and the Spitfire Mk IX.

'''Great armament:'''

The armament of the Ta 152 H-1 is fairly powerful: the Minengeschoß-firing 30 mm MK 108 and 2 x 20 mm MG 151 have enough power to inflict heavy damage on most targets it will encounter. Though be aware that the MK 108 only has 90 rounds at its disposal and is most efficient at close range. Meanwhile, the two MG 151 have 175 rounds per gun for a total of 350 rounds, and can be used with much more liberty.

'''Enemies worth mentioning:'''

Enemies to be aware of in the Ta 152 H-1 are opponents such as the [[Spitfire F Mk 24]], [[F8F (Family)|F8F]], [[P-51H-5-NA]], [[F2G-1]] and [[Ki-84 (Family)|Ki-84]]. These foes can intercept and force the Ta 152 H-1 into dogfights on equal terms, trying to gain an energy or altitude advantage is key before engagement with these aircraft.

=== Manual Engine Control ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
|-
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
! colspan="3" | Radiator
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
|-
! Oil !! Water !! Type
|-
| Not controllable || Controllable Auto control available || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Controllable Not auto controlled || Combined || Not controllable 5 gears || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* 30 mm cannon usually obliterates enemies upon impact, and serves well in bomber interception
* Stable in all axes (joystick), and fairly nimble in a turn (mouse aim)
* Good armour layout protects both the pilot and engine, strong in head-ons
* GM-1 engine boost gives outstanding performance above 7,000 m, at these altitudes a good pilot can go head to head with any foe
* Combat flaps rip off at 700 km/h, which means you can use them at almost any speed
* Above average turnfighter for Germany, landing flaps increase turn so much that you can keep up with most fighters; even some Spitfires
* Has some of the best manoeuvring energy retention (MER) performance in the game, it will easily win a prolonged dogfight with good usage of flaps
* Excellent diver, wings only rip past 870 km/h (540 mph)
* Decently fast on the deck, can reach 580 km/h (360 mph) and will catch most enemies in a straight chase
* Very fast at high altitude (>7 km); at 12,200 m the Ta 152 H-1 will reach 755 km/h (469 mph), making it the fastest single engine German prop fighter

'''Cons:'''

* 30 mm cannon is low-velocity, making it hard to hit
* Has a tendency to snap roll viciously, especially in a stall
* Very strong brakes, will easily flip over if not used sparingly, and is thus slower to land than most aircraft
* Losing your flaps through gunfire or otherwise is a massive detriment to turning performance and hampers your ability to dogfight effectively
* Despite having an above average roll rate, it is made significantly worse by pitching up/down
* Average climb rate, even with the airspawn it can be difficult to attain an altitude advantage over foes such as the Spitfire
* Below average ammo capacity, good trigger discipline is a must with the Ta 152 H
* Long wings increase chance of collision with enemy aircraft, especially in head-ons
* Poor parasite drag to thrust ratio, meaning a lot of energy is lost in diving attacks due to wing surface area
* No external payload options or HVAP shells on the MK 108, making this strictly an air superiority plane
* Can easily catch on fire when hit

== History ==


Throughout much of World War II in Europe, the German Luftwaffe was only concerned with their aircraft flying in the mid to low altitudes (20,000 ft/6,100 m and below), therefore a majority of their fighter fleet only utilized a single-stage supercharger which was sufficient for their role. However, with the introduction of the [[B-29A-BN|B-29]], the threat of this type of bomber would have been out of reach for most of the German air fleet.<ref name="Militaryfactory" /> To counter high-altitude allied fighters and bombers, the Fw 190D-9 was modified with a two-stage supercharged Junkers Jumo 213E engine which allowed it to achieve the higher altitudes, however, the shorter stubby wings well know for low altitude manoeuvrability actually hindered performance at altitude, though usable, not really a suitable fix.<ref name="Historyofwar" />

Answering the call of the German Air Ministry (RLM – Reichsluftfahrtministerium), Focke-Wulf modified their Fw 190 design and branched out in three directions. The three prototypes, in turn, had one to become the new existing Fw 190D (Ta 152A) series (after the D-9), the second prototype would become a dedicated high-altitude bomber (Ta 152B) while the third would become a ground-attack aircraft (Ta 152H).<ref name="Historyofwar" /> Though adjustments and modifications were made including usage of a different engine, the ultimate results determined these aircraft did not provide enough improvement to continue moving forward and both the Ta 152A and B projects were cancelled. One bright spot from this was that the airframe built for the Ta 152B (the V21 airframe) showed promise and efforts were focused here to create the Ta 152C prototype.

In 1944 the RLM made a ruling that new fighter aircraft were to include the chief designer's name in the aircraft's designation. What was earlier knows as a Focke-Wulf aircraft was now listed with the prefix Ta which was short for ''Kurt Tank'', though Tank was still working for Focke-Wulf at the time.

Adjustments to the Fw 190D-9 fuselage resulted in its extension and addition of hydraulics to control the flaps and landing gear. These adjustments threw off the normal center of gravity and made the aircraft off balance, resulting in the lengthening of the nose of the aircraft to normalize the CoG. The length of the wings was slightly lengthened and due to shortages in aluminium, steel spars were utilized aiding to the strength of the wings, but also at a price of extra weight.<ref name="Historyofwar" />

;Ta 152C variant

The Ta 152 C-3 ended up with wings .5 m (1.25 ft) longer than the standard Fw 190D-9 to aid in supporting the new steel spars and hydraulic hardware in the landing gear and flaps. The 'C' variant did not incorporate a pressurized cockpit. While designed to work at lower altitudes (though above 25,000 ft or 6,100 m), the fighter was outfitted with a single 30 mm MK 108 Motorkanone which was mounted through the center propeller hub with four MG 151/20 mm cannons, two of which were mounted in the upper fuselage and two more with one in each wing.<ref name="Militaryfactory" /> This cannon setup is enough to devastate any aircraft which is on the receiving end of the 20 and 30 mm rounds. The Ta 152 C-3 entered the war too late and in too little numbers to make an effective difference. Shortages in replacement parts became extremely difficult if not impossible to find reducing the ability of the Ta 152 C-3 to be used to the fullest of its abilities.<ref name="Historyofwar" />

;Ta 152H variant

The Ta 152 H-1 was refined to be more of a high-altitude fighter even so over the Ta 152C. Wings were extended a full length of 14.4 m (47.4 ft), though this lowered its overall speed, it provided substantial improvement with high-altitude handling. To aid the pilots in the higher altitude flights, the H variant was outfitted with a pressurized cockpit. The cockpit was pressurized to approximately a level comparable with 8,000 m (26,250 ft) and the canopy was comprised of two layers of which the outer was a thicker material with a thinner inner pane. To compensate for any moisture which could form between the panes, silica gel was added to aid in stemming any fogging. Unlike the 'C' variant, the 'H' only utilized a single 30 mm MK 108 Motorkanone firing through the propeller hub along with just two MG 151/20 mm autocannons, both of which were mounted in the upper fuselage. Eliminating the two wing-mounted cannons aided in increased manoeuvrability and less weight to make up for some of the additional weight added due to the pressurized cockpit system.

Overall the Ta 152H variant was one of the fastest piston-engine fighters to emerge during World War II, cruising around 750 km/h (465 mph) while at around 10,200 m (33,000 ft). The Ta 152H also employed the usage of GM-1 nitrous oxide boost and MW 50 methanol-water boost to briefly increase performance in the aircraft and if necessary, both could be applied at the same time.<ref name="Militaryfactory" />

{{break}}
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
The Ta 152 was, without a doubt, the best aircraft designed by Kurt Tank for Focke-Wulf. The aircraft was a further redesign of the venerable Fw 190, namely of the Fw 190 D. The Ta 152 became possible thanks to the new high-altitude Jumo 213 and DB 603 engines.

Development began in the winter of 1942-1943, when RLM's technical department released specifications for a new 'Spezial Jaeger', or Special Fighter. The fighter was to be capable of a high-altitude interceptor role. The Ta 152 H-1 was armed with a MK 108 cannon with 85 rounds firing through the propeller hub and two MG 151/20 cannons (220 rounds per gun) in the wings. The H-1 went into serial production in January or February of 1945. A total of only 70 or so were produced, of which very few made it to front-line service.
{{Navigation-End}}

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ta-152h-1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|5oVIzdap51E|'''The Shooting Range #212''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:43 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|t3xD7JpnHeI|'''Best aircraft for Boom & Zoom''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 3:52 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|4v3fxupuZPA|'''Last piston fighters''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 1:42 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|LCVpwcd7H9s|'''{{PAGENAME}} - Strategy and Tactics - Guide - War Thunder''' - ''Green Fury''|nXeC3YM2Ds0|'''{{PAGENAME}} (FM Changes Revisit 1.79!)''' - ''Jengar''|yyB_--akcGI|'''TA IS LIFE - {{PAGENAME}}''' - ''Slick Plays''}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* Focke-Wulf [[Fw 190 (Family)|Fw 190]]

;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Lavochkin [[La-9]]
* Nakajima [[Ki-87]]
* Martin-Baker [[MB.5]]
* North American [[P-51 (Family)|P-51]]
* Macchi [[C.205N2|C.205]]

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.ru/index.php?/topic/96066-ta-152-h1/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance (Russian Forum)]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Focke-Wulf_Ta_152 [Wikipedia<nowiki>]</nowiki> Focke-Wulf Ta 152]
* [https://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/focke-wulf-ta-152-h-0r11 [Smithsonian<nowiki>]</nowiki> Focke-Wulf Ta 152 H-0/R11]

=== References ===

<references>
<ref name="Historyofwar">Focke-Wulf Ta 152C. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/weapons_focke-wulf_Ta_152C.html.</ref>
<ref name="Militaryfactory">Jack, C. (2019, January 21). Focke-Wulf Ta 152 Single-Seat, Single-Engine High-Altitude Fighter-Interceptor Aircraft - Nazi Germany. Retrieved from https://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.asp?aircraft_id=455.</ref>
</references>

{{AirManufacturer Focke-Wulf}}
{{Germany fighters}}

Bf 109 G-2/trop

2023-08-08T02:41:09Z

U115020311: /* Pros and cons */

{{About
| about = German fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Bf 109 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=bf-109g-2
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_Bf_109_G-2trop.jpg|ArtImage_Bf_109_G-2-trop.png}}
|cockpit=cockpit_bf-109g-2.jpg
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.

The Bf 109 G-2/trop fulfils many roles in War Thunder: it can be used as a bomber interceptor and as a fighter bomber but where it really shines is the role of a pure fighter. The G-2 should be flown like every Bf 109 in an energy fighting style. The best climbing speed for the G-2 is 230 km/h (IAS) (alternative 270km/h (IAS) to pull of emergency manoeuvres faster) and you should climb from the start with WEP enabled to gain altitude/energy quickly.

This is the tropical variant of the "Gustav Zwei". Like the [[Bf 109 F-4/trop]] it features an engine intake dust filter, a socket for sun-umbrellas and several other accommodations versus particulate matter. While these modifications allowed for prolonged service life in harsh environments like North Africa, the Russian veld and Libya's desert, they also (marginally) cost top speed and engine performance due to increased air resistance and power diversion for the filtered aspirator.

The Gustav-2, like the [[Bf 109 F-4]], has a very accurate and deadly main armament, which is mainly achieved by the engine mounted MG 151/20 cannon. The MG 151/20 cannon operates at a rate of fire of 750 rounds per minute with a muzzle velocity of 710-785 m/s and is capable to shoot one of the most effective cannon rounds against aircraft: the mighty minengeschoß (eng. Mineshell), which contains 20 g of high explosive filler. The Minengeschoß is in game shown as "HEI - High-explosive incendiary shell (minengeschoß)" and rips wings off with only few hits. It is very likely to hit viable parts of aircraft like fuel tanks and cooling systems because of the fuse delay which allows the Minengeschoß to penetrate half through wings before the shell explodes. The MG 17 machine gun operates at a rate of fire of 1,150 rpm and was used up to the Bf 109 G-4 at which point they finally upgraded with the bigger [[MG 131 (13 mm)|MG 131]] with a calibre of 13 mm. The MG 17 was called "Luftwaffenanklopfgerät" (eng. Airforce-knock-knock-thing) derogatorily by German Luftwaffe pilots due to the small calibre and damage effect on aircraft.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 6,500 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 659 || 643 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.0 || 20.7 || 19.6 || 19.5 || rowspan="2" | 304
|-
! Upgraded
| 705 || 682 || 18.0 || 19.0 || 27.6 || 23.1
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 437 || 408 || 260 || ~13 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 450 || < 390 || < 450 || > 715
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 5,700 m || 1,260 hp || 1,399 hp
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}


* 60 mm Bulletproof glass in front of the pilot.
* 4-8 mm Steel plates on pilot seat.
* 10 mm Steel plates around the pilot's head.
* 21 mm Steel plate on the rear of the fuel tank, with 4 mm plates surrounding it on other sides.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

It is recommended to unlock all flight performance and survivability modules first, with exception of the weaponry module "Offensive 20 mm". Unlock this upgrade as soon as you can, because it gains access to the "Air Targets" ammo belt, which provides significantly larger damage effects than the default belt.

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|MG 151 (20 mm)|MG 17 (7.92 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 20 mm MG 151 cannon, nose-mounted (200 rpg)
* 2 x 7.92 mm MG 17 machine guns, nose-mounted (500 rpg = 1,000 total)

The two machine guns are in the upper part of the fuselage just in front of the cockpit. The 20 mm cannon is mounted to fire through the propeller shaft and out the propeller hub.

'''Recommended Ammunition Belts'''

Pilots who are really experienced with the aiming and hitting of the MG 151/20, might want to use stealth belts on the MGs and cannons, to avoid being spotted by tracers. Using stealth belts on the machine guns only is also useful for aiming the cannon more easily without the distraction provided by the light machine gun tracers.

;MG 151/20

*Air Targets: Air Targets (AP-I/HEI/HEI/HEI/HEI/IT) // Consisting of 2/3 Minengeschoße, this belt is very effective against any aircraft.
*Ground Targets: Armoured Targets (APHE/APHE/APHE/IT)

;MG 17

*Air Targets: Universal (AP-T/AP/AI/AP-I)
*Ground Targets: Tracer (AP-T)

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|SC50JA (50 kg)|SC250JA (250 kg)|MG 151 (20 mm)|Flam C 250 incendiary}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* Without load
* 4 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (200 kg total)
* 1 x 250 kg SC250JA bomb (250 kg total)
* 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons, wing-mounted (gunpods) (135 rpg = 270 total)
* 1 x Flam C 250 incendiary bomb

== Usage in battles ==

[[File:Cockpit_Bf109g2.jpg|thumbnail|A very clear setup with big gauges fitted into the instrument panel. Visibility, however, is rather dreadful, deflection shots are only possible via ''good feeling'' and rearward sight is non-existent. A step backwards from the earlier E-series which will only see improvement with the Erlenhaube like on Bf 109 G-10.]]

'''Fighter:'''

The Bf 109 G-2 was designed as a fighter aircraft and thus excels in the role of it. It reaches its maximal performance with of course no secondary weapons equipped. However, if one 20 mm MG 151/20 is not sufficient, especially against bombers, utilising two extra MG 151/20 in form of gunpods will noticeably increase firepower at the expense of a slight loss in flight performance.

'''Bomber interceptor:'''

When facing any bombers (e.g. B-25, B-17, Wellington, Yer-2) one should never simply stay behind them and spray the guns all over the bomber. To take out any bomber effectively, the best tactic is to come in with high speed out of a steep angle and focus the guns on just one wing. This will give the bombers' gunners a harder time to ward off the attacker, whilst focusing on only one wing increases greatly the chance of a critical hit, either snapping off a wing or making the bomber uncontrollable. Since it can be quite hard to snap off a wing of a bomber with "only" one MG 151/20, it is highly recommended to make use of the previously mentioned 20 mm MG 151/20 gunpods.

'''Fighter Bomber:'''

The G-2 can also be used as a fighter bomber. To fulfil this role one has the choice between either one 250 kg bomb or four 50 kg bombs, which are dropped in pairs of two. The 250 kg bomb is quite easily capable of destroying hard ground targets like pillboxes and tanks, while the 50 kg bombs can only crack such targets with a direct hit/detonation on target. Please note that only on rare occasions it is helpful to waste the G-2s fighter capabilities with ground attacking in order to achieve victory in a mission.

'''Arcade Battles'''

The G-2 in AB has a massively elevated performance. Climb rate is insane due to the lack of engine damage from overheating and performance losses from the 2 gunpods are almost nonexistent or unnoticeable.
The gun pods greatly improve the damage output, important for the fast past action in Arcade. Although in a true one versus one against more agile opponents such as Spitfire Mk.V, one would wish to not have equipped the pods for better agility.

Flying the G-2 in a strict Boom and Zoom style is recommended for beginners in Arcade.

[[File:FighterImage Bf109G2trop001.jpg|thumbnail|right|Bf 109 landed on map Eastern Europe. M10 tank destroyer for scale in the background.]]

'''Realistic Battles/Simulator Battles'''

During a dive, redlining starts at 750 km/h (IAS) and your aircraft breaks apart around 820 km/h (IAS) and til you reach this speed you can not rip your wings off with pulling up. You have access to 20/30/45 minutes of fuel, for most maps 30 minutes of fuel is a good choice.

While in the offence against a fighter in the Bf 109 G-2/trop (i.e. with an energy advantage, ready to engage the enemy either by diving or zoom climbing), a swift pass landing 20 mm hits in the wing should suffice to take down the opponent. If the opponent avoids the attack by applying defensive manoeuvres, the energy the evading opponent lost in the process will put the attacking Bf 109 in an even larger advantage, so 'Gustav' pilots should face this situation as an advantage and handle it patiently, not wasting ammunition nor risking lengthy and risky horizontal turn fighting. The pilot should gain altitude (bear in mind that, without a comfortable distance from enemies, climbing can equate to giving an optimal shot to the enemy), get enough room to position for another strike and finally re-engage the enemy fighter, hopefully striking it down. All these precautions are of course much less necessary when no threats are nearby. In this case, aggressive dogfighting while still relying on the energy advantage can be the quickest way to take any opponent down. At speeds around 350-450 km/h (IAS) the horizontal turning ability of the G-2 is at its finest and can be further improved with the use of combat/take off flaps. The key is situational awareness to realize such opportunities.

As for situations when the Gustav-2 pilot is in the defence (i.e. with an energy disadvantage, prone to being fatally engaged by an enemy either by diving or zoom climbing), either due to not climbing optimally or by facing tough opponents such as the Spitfire F. Mk IX (known for its climb rate), they will likely risk head-on engagements.
Head-ons are generally a bad idea because you risk your own machine to take damage. But with the armament of the G-2 which is very accurate and deadly (especially with gunpods), you have good chances to kill or at least damage an enemy at distances of 1.0 - 1.2 km just by firing a burst and then evade the head on with for example a simple downwards barrel roll without taking a single hit. This needs, of course, some experience to hit at these long ranges. [https://youtu.be/MYntUdGexUA?t=72 Example Video]

If the enemy owns the energy advantage, your best bet is to avoid his attacks with simple and energy efficient manoeuvres like the [http://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/33818-acm-and-tactics/?p=398969 Split-S] and climb every time you have the time to. But keep in mind: Slow targets are much easier to hit than fast targets, so convert your altitude early enough to speed to avoid an incoming attack successfully. Another option can be to evade an enemy Boom and Zoom attack with a simple downwards [http://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/33818-acm-and-tactics/?p=415273 barrel roll], when the enemy overshoots you and starts climbing again you have a small time window to fire a burst at him.

=====Useful air combat manoeuvres=====

* [http://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/33818-acm-and-tactics/?p=398969 Hammerhead]
* [http://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/33818-acm-and-tactics/?p=409059 Rope-A-Dope]
* [http://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/33818-acm-and-tactics/?p=398970 High / low Yo-yo]
* [http://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/33818-acm-and-tactics/?p=415273 Rolling Scissors]
* [http://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/33818-acm-and-tactics/?p=398969 Split S]
* [[Guide_to_manual_engine_controls|Manual engine control]]
* Advanced energy fighting
* [[Boom & Zoom]]

====Specific enemies worth noting====

[[File:FighterImage_Bf109G-2trop002.jpg|thumbnail|left|Default camouflage. Map "Eastern Europe".]]
There are a variety of deadly opponents the Bf 109 G-2/trop may face, and one should be very careful when battling such aircraft.

✭ '''Soviet Aircraft:''' 
Against [[:Category:USSR aircraft|Soviet aircraft]], one should be careful and climb high at the start of the match, since the majority of Soviet fighters at the G-2's level outperform it in practically every aspect at low altitude, whilst losing lots of performance at medium and high altitudes. The performance of aircraft like the [[La-5FN]] or the [[Yak-3]] starts to drop at 3,000 m, whilst the Bf 109 G-2 will do perfectly well at altitudes like 6,000 m. Climbing to a high altitude is key to success. At these altitudes, the G-2 pilot can Boom & Zoom Soviet fighters as well as turnfight them, the only major concern is not to lose the hard-earned altitude and become a low and slow target. One very exploitable disadvantage of Soviet aircraft is their proneness to crashing at high speeds. Either offensively or defensively, the Bf 109 G-2/trop can dive faster than all of its Soviet opponents, since it will not crash from over-speed at any less than 800 km/h (IAS), whilst most Soviet fighters struggle to reach 720 km/h (IAS). If in disadvantage at low altitude and the situation does not allow to dive away, G-2 pilots should try to lead their six towards teammates and/or friendly AAA.

✪ '''USAF Aircraft:''' 
Fighting against [[:Category:USA aircraft|American aircraft]] is a very interesting experience. First, fighters like the F4U-1c Corsair, the P-51D-5 Mustang and the P-47D-25 Thunderbolt are better divers by far than the Bf 109 G-2, reaching higher speeds, manoeuvring better at high speed, and also much more efficient in high-speed climbs, excelling at the fighting style known as Boom & Zoom. Therefore, the G-2 pilot must exploit other advantages of the plane, namely its good horizontal manoeuvrability at speeds from 350 km/h to 450 km/h (IAS) and its impressive rate of climb and acceleration thanks to a very favourable power-to-weight ratio. Meanwhile, the majority of American fighters are heavy and can neither turn well nor climb well (in a sustained climb). The priority against American fighters should be to gain an energy advantage. If these are fast, then trying to beat them in a climb is not really an option, so engaging in tight, speed-costly manoeuvres is the best choice, in order to leave the enemy at a speed where they can be out-climbed. At this point, the Bf 109 pilot can either climb to gain an advantage or continue manoeuvring aggressively in order to get the guns on the target and shoot it down. In situations of numerical inferiority, patience is important - climbing to gain an advantage is more advisable than obsessing with getting an immediate kill. There are of course some American aircraft against which the Gustav pilot will have no particular advantage in regards to climb rate and acceleration, such as the Kingcobra or the XP-50. If the pilot has no energy advantage on these aircraft, lining up for a shot is a difficult task.

♔ '''British Aircraft:''' 
As for British planes, the Spitfires will out-turn the Bf 109 G-2/trop horizontally with ease. Never forget to climb, it is often the 109s only constant advantage. However, the Spitfire F Mk. IX, at 4.3, bridges the gap in engine power and climb speed between the Mark V spitfires and the Bf 109. These aircraft are given the moniker of "spacefire" thanks to their excellent climbing abilities. Keep an eye out above you, because an experienced Spitfire F Mk IX pilot will try to dive on you from above. The biggest British threat found on a regular base is the [[Typhoon Mk Ib]]. This fighter mounts 4 x 20 mm cannons whilst having a decent climb rate, very good dive capabilities and sufficient turn rates. The best bet to counter this aircraft is in manoeuvres which rely on the roll rate of a plane (e.g. [http://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/33818-acm-and-tactics/?p=415273 rolling scissors]), simply because the Typhoon's roll rate is appalling. An even bigger threat but thankfully only fighting the G-2 rarely is the [[Spitfire LF Mk IX]]. This fighter outperforms the G-2 in almost every aspect and should be always number one priority to take down.

❁ '''Japanese Aircraft:''' 
Japanese A6M and Ki-43 fighters turn horizontally even better than the Spitfires and are overall very manoeuvrable. Never engage these fighters in a dogfight. Rely on the 109s superior speed and high altitude performance instead. A big threat for the G-2 are the J2M3 and Ki-84 fighters, both climb and accelerate very good. However the J2M3 performs poor at high speeds (compression) unlike the Ki-84 which is a great diver. But you can beat both in a horizontally turn fight.

✙ '''German Aircraft:''' 
The German [[Fw 190 (Family)|Fw 190]] is an excellent diver with also excellent maximum speeds and roll rates, but an awful horizontal turner and an average climber compared to the Bf 109 G-2. Engaging the Fw 190 horizontally is often the easiest way to win a dogfight. If you meet another Bf 109 focus it and avoid losing the energy advantage.

=== Manual Engine Control ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
|-
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
! colspan="3" | Radiator
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
|-
! Oil !! Water !! Type
|-
| Not controllable || Controllable Auto control available || Controllable Auto control available || Controllable Auto control available || Separate || Not controllable 1 gear || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Excellent climb rate at all altitudes
* Good acceleration and roll rate
* Very good energy retention
* Strongest thrust/mass ratio of all Bf 109s in War Thunder
* Not easy to rip your wings off (790 km/h)
* High agility at moderate speeds (350-450 km/h)
* Great for stall fighting: stall control is excellent
* Durable airframe: the only fuel tank is surrounded with armour plates
* Very effective armament
** All weaponry mounted in the nose, allowing easy aiming without having to worry about convergence
** Can increase firepower by 20 mm MG 151 gunpods

'''Cons:'''

* Bad dogfighting characteristics:
** High manoeuvrability often lures inexperienced users of this aircraft to engage in turn fights
** Inferior horizontal turn rate compared to most opponents at low speeds
** Flaps are sluggish to deploy and rip at low speeds (437 km/h TAS)
** Gunpods sacrifice turn rate and roll rate by a significant degree
* Bad high speed performance (locks up early)
* Bad cockpit visibility (SB)
* Only able to trim elevator (SB)
* Weaponry can be ineffective when stock
** Only two 7.92 MGs and one 20 mm cannon
** Low ammo count when not using gunpods
* Engine tends to overheat significantly
* Huge engine torque causes severe turning when taking off (SB)
* 7.62 MGs deal low damage to most opposition

== History ==

The Bf 109 is a single-seat monoplane fighter which was the back bone of the German airforce; before and during WWII. It was designed, by Wilhelm Emil Messerschmitt; in the year 1934 and was continuously improved until 1945. The German Luftwaffe used in such roles as: a fighter; interceptor; high-altitude interceptor; fighter-bomber and reconnaissance aircraft. It is also, one of the most produced fighter aircraft; with around 34,000 built from 1936 to April 1945.

The production of the Bf 109 Gustav-2 started in spring 1942 and was the first Bf 109 to arrive combat units with the new DB 605 A engine. The suffix /trop means that this 109 has a special filter mounted to prevent damaging the engine from sand and other particles, which allowed combat use in tropical areas like deserts. The German Luftwaffe used this version in Africa. The famous German fighter ace Hans-Joachim Marseille died due to a technical defect in his Bf 109 G-2/trop "Yellow 14".

{{break}}
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
The Messerschmitt Bf 109 was a single-seat monoplane fighter used by the Luftwaffe before and during WWII. It was used as a fighter, interceptor, high-altitude interceptor, fighter-bomber and reconnaissance aircraft.

The Bf 109 G "Gustav" was the most mass-produced variant of the 109, powered by the Daimler-Benz DB 605. The 605 was basically a DB 601 with the cylinder block redesigned to increase displacement from 33.9, to 35.7 liters - which resulted in 175 extra HP with no significant change in size. The Gustav also received improved armament. Instead of the previously standard 7.62 mm MG 17 machine guns, 13 mm MG 131 heavy machine guns were used. The heavier guns lead to distinct cowling bulges, needed to cover the breechblocks on the new guns.

However, the increased equipment led to heavier weight on the Gustav, in fact 10% heavier than the Friedrich. Compared to the much earlier Bf 109B, the Gustav was almost 46% heavier. The new aircraft had begun to reach front-line units by May 1942. In essence, the Bf 109 design had reached its peak, and would ideally need to be replaced with newer, more modern designs. However, the troubled Me 209 replacement was still in development and things at the front were beginning to look ominous for Germany. Consequently, the {{Annotation|RLM|Reichsluftfahrtministerium}} decided to continue to further refine the 109.
{{Navigation-End}}

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=bf-109g-2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

[[File:Bf 109 G-2trop Minna-Dietlinde Wilcke.mp4|thumb|"Minna-Dietlinde Wilcke" collaboration camouflage|none]]
[[File:Bf 109 G-2trop Eila Ilmatar Juutilainen.mp4|thumb|"Eila Ilmatar Juutilainen" collaboration camouflage|none]]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|t3xD7JpnHeI|'''Best aircraft for Boom & Zoom''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 3:01 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

== See also ==


;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* North American [[P-51 (Family)|P-51]] Mustang
* Kawasaki [[Ki-61-I hei]] / [[Ki-61-II Otsu Kai]]
* Macchi [[C.205N2|C.205]]
* Fiat [[G.55 (Family)|G.55]]

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.ru/index.php?/topic/81616-pasport-bf-109-g-2/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
* [[wikipedia:Messerschmitt_Bf_109_variants#Early_Bf_109G_models|[Wikipedia] Messerschmitt Bf 109 variants - Early Bf 109G models]]
* [http://www.wwiiaircraftperformance.org/me109/me-109g2-trop.html <nowiki>[WWII Aircraft Performance]</nowiki> Me 109G2/trop]

{{AirManufacturer BFW}}
{{Germany fighters}}

Bf 109 K-4

2023-08-07T23:37:08Z

U115020311: /* Pros and cons */

{{About
| about = German fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Bf 109 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=bf-109k-4
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. The Kurfürst is the pinnacle of the famed [[Bf 109 (Family)|109 series]]. "Kurfürst," representing the letter "K" in the Wehrmacht phonetic alphabet, translates to "prince-elector", a reference to the Electors of the Holy Roman Empire. The K-4's frame is the last iteration and was focused on ease of production rather than performance, yet it features the best power to weight ratio and acceleration of any 109, turning this machine into a beast. However, the age of the design is reflected in its poor high-speed characteristics.

[[File:Bf109 K-4 billythekid 001.png|350px|thumb|left|]]

Use the plane's outstanding climb rate and speed retention. Boom and zoom tactics should be this plane's primary mode of fighting. It has good acceleration when using WEP. This grants the machine reasonable diving and climbing abilities. If chased, dodge away from the enemy with fancy manoeuvres without losing too much speed. In Realistic Battles, try to do a climbing spiral, but be sure to be in a higher energy state than the enemy! A miscalculation and the foe will have the opportunity for an easy deflection shot.

However, there are also downsides. The top speed can be reached quickly, yet the plane is not fast when stock. While it does have an edge in agility, it has bad low-speed manoeuvrability. Furthermore, foes will not usually engage in manoeuvring combat, rendering any manoeuvrability advantage moot.

The K-4 can outmanoeuvre these planes at medium speeds (<450 km/h IAS): [[P-51]] (all types), [[P-47D-28|P-47D]], [[Typhoon_Mk_Ib/L|Typhoons]] and the [[La-9]]. However, it will have a hard time dealing with other late Rank IV aircraft, especially Spitfires. It is highly recommended to use rudder during rolls, as this increases the roll rate dramatically. This is useful if when trying to force an overshoot or when avoiding shots.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

[[File:Bf109 K-4 call me hyper 001.jpg|300px|thumb|right|]]
For the pilots who flew the Bf 109, it could be a brutal aircraft, with a cramped cockpit and poorly located controls and levers, the pilot could get a serious workout during a dogfight, but don't think this aircraft is not worth the time as a majority of Germany's top aces flew Bf 109s. The {{PAGENAME}} was the final iteration of the aircraft, there really wasn't much more which could have been designed into it to take it any further. In comparison to the early versions which saw combat in the Spanish Civil War, the K-4 was over 300 km/h faster at 2,000 m higher than the Bf 109A. The aircraft morphed from a two-bladed wooden propeller to a three-bladed metal propeller with 20 mm or 30 mm autocannons and 13 mm heavy machine guns over two paltry 7 mm machine guns.

The {{PAGENAME}} is meant to dance in the sky with its quick speed, fast rate of climb and excellent energy retention, it can be used to Boom & Zoom in the vertical, unlike many other aircraft which require wide swaths of space to make their attack runs and retreats. The manoeuvrability of the aircraft allows it to make tight turns or quick evasive manoeuvres, especially those which cause a faster and heavier enemy to overshoot and then become the target themselves. To truly compete as a dogfighter and to milk every last bit of speed and manoeuvrability out of the aircraft, the pilot will want to fly it in the clean configuration without the 20 mm gunpods. The gunpods add weight, but for this aircraft, in the worst possible location with one hooked up under each wing, messing with the aircraft's centre of gravity and hampering the manoeuvrability of the aircraft. While it can still fly and fight, the gunpods will make dogfighting a bigger challenge, however, expert pilots may be able to negate some of those factors through sheer skill and luck.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 6,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 685 || 665 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.3 || 21.1 || 18.0 || 18.0 || rowspan="2" | 333
|-
! Upgraded
| 759 || 720 || 18.3 || 19.0 || 32.2 || 23.8
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 437 || 408 || 260 || ~13 || ~7
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 450 || < 390 || < 450 || > 715
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Compressor
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
! Setting 1
| 6,900 m || 1,250 hp || 1,775 hp
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}


* 60 mm bulletproof glass in front and rear of the pilot
* Fuel tank with 21 mm steel plate behind it, and 4 mm plates surrounding it
* Pilot's seat has 4 mm steel plates underneath, with 8 mm steel making up the backrest
* 10 mm steel plates surrounding rear bulletproof glass
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="150px">
File:BF 109 K-4 All armor.png|All the armour plates on the 109 K-4.
File:Fuel tank 109 K4.png|Picture of the giant fuel tank the pilot is sitting on (self-sealing).
File:Steel 21.png|Seat armour plates of the K-4.
</gallery>

Willy Messerschmitt's design of the Bf 109 is known for its very lightweight construction, eliminating any unnecessary devices, parts, and even structural spars to allow for the fastest that this fighter could be and still be a strong fighter. Part of this challenge was ensuring there was enough protection for the pilot and certain critical components without overburdening the aircraft and making it sluggish with the addition of too much armour. For this aircraft, it makes sense that all the armour is centred around the pilot as this serves two purposes, aiding in the protection of the pilot and two, protecting the fuel tank which the pilot literally sits on top of.

The pilot's protection from the front comes mainly from the 60 mm bulletproof glass windscreen, headrest and various plates of armour between 4 and 10 mm in thickness which makes up the seat and headrest. These plates aid in protecting the pilot from both frontal attacks generally associated from attacking bombers with defensive positions, and also from the rear when being chased by an enemy fighter. Though the fuel tank is self-sealing when it has been shot, 4 mm and 20 mm steel plating also surrounds the tank as the first line of defence against enemy machine gun rounds, however, incoming 20 mm rounds may not have any problems getting through.

When attacking a {{PAGENAME}}, unless you can aim autocannon shots to blow off a wing, the best bet will be to aim for the fuselage starting from right behind the pilot all the way to the propeller. Hitting within this range allows you to hit one of the vital components of the aircraft including the fuel tank, the pilot, any of the coolers or the engine itself. The most successful attacks will happen from underneath the aircraft or from the sides, where there is no armour protection. If, however, you find yourself tailing a {{PAGENAME}}, use short bursts to spook the pilot into manoeuvring where they end up exposing the large surface areas of the aircraft and then unload where the rounds will have less chance to ricochet and more chances of taking out this aircraft.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

The true acceleration power of the plane is only achieved very late into the grind. Specifically, the Tier 4 Engine injection modification provides a significant boost and is a top priority. On the way there, all engine upgrades should be taken. 13 mm belts are helpful for removing tracer rounds. The 20 mm gunpods with belts and the gun upgrade are viable choices, but engine injection remains a priority.

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|MK 108 (30 mm)|MG 151 (20 mm)|MG 131 (13 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* A choice between two presets:
** 1 x 30 mm MK 108 cannon, nose-mounted (65 rpg) + 2 x 13 mm MG 131 machine guns, nose-mounted (300 rpg = 600 total)
** 1 x 20 mm MG 151 cannon, nose-mounted (200 rpg) + 2 x 13 mm MG 131 machine guns, nose-mounted (300 rpg = 600 total)

Typical for Bf 109s was having a Motorkanone mounted to shoot through the propeller hub. Usually, these aircraft were outfitted with a 20 mm autocannon, which pilots of earlier 109s will have already had experience with, however, the {{PAGENAME}} provides the pilot with the option to choose their Motorkanone of choice, either a 20 mm MG 151 or a 30 mm MK 108. In real life, the 30 mm autocannon tended to jam during combat and can do the same in-game, until that is the module is upgraded and jamming frequency will lessen. For the most part, the difference between the 20 and 30 mm autocannons is power vs. ammunition count.
[[File:Bf109 K-4 bomberpilot1784.png|400px|thumb|right|]]
The 30 mm round is a slow but deadly round and when fired at close range it can have devastating results on its target. A large disadvantage due to its size and weight, it also only carries 65 rounds, which makes it necessary for the pilot to exercise trigger control and only fire when they are sure the rounds will hit. On the other hand, the 20 mm, though powerful in their own right, will not have the same heavy-hitting power as the 30 mm rounds, however, the {{PAGENAME}} can carry 200 of these rounds which travel faster and can be fired more rapidly. Typically, if the {{PAGENAME}} pilot is going to play the role of a bomber interceptor, the 30 mm round will be the most effective, however, when used as to intercept fighters and attackers, the 20 mm Motorkanone will probably be the best bet.

Regardless of the choice of cannons, the pilot will also have access to two 13 mm heavy machine guns, which are mounted on the top of the fuselage engine cowling. Having 300 rounds per gun will allow the pilot to continue to spew out damage even when the autocannons have run dry. Another option is to separate the firing control for the autocannons and the 13 mm MGs and instead track and fire enemy targets with the machine guns, utilise them as range finders and when the pilot sees they have a good firing solution, they can then employ the autocannons, thereby saving valuable ammunition and ensuring there is enough when it is needed.

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|MG 151 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* Without load
* 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons, gunpods (wing-mounted) (135 rpg = 270 total)

There are a few aircraft which are featured in War Thunder, which become monster planes when they utilise gunpods to increase their firepower. The {{PAGENAME}} is no exception, especially considering that each pod contains a single 20 mm MG 151 autocannon, each of which holds 135 rounds of ammunition. Attacking enemy aircraft with three autocannons and two machine guns can cause devastating results, however, since the additional guns are wing‑mounted, the pilot will need to calculate for convergence so as not to waste ammunition. While the fuselage weapons fire on the line of sight, the underwing cannons will need additional adjustment to converge at the correct point. A convergence set too far may mean a number of the rounds will easily miss the enemy aircraft, while setting the convergence zone too close will do the same.

== Usage in battles ==

[[File:Cockpit_Bf109k4.jpg|thumbnail|right|The Bf 109 K-4's instrument panel.]]

The MK 108 is a double-edged sword: nicknamed by the allies for its characteristic sound, the Jackhammer lives true to its name: It is slow but powerful, with its main purpose being the demolition of heavy objects, such as the [[B-17G-60-VE|B-17G Flying Fortress]]. However, its common purpose in War Thunder remains to hunt fighter planes. The cannon's rate of fire is surprisingly high for its calibre with 660 rpm, meaning that, while deflection shots can be made, absolute trigger discipline must be maintained, since the 65 rounds will last you less than 6 seconds of continuous fire. Furthermore, the Minengeschoß shells are very slow. One must either become very good at leading the shells or close the distance. Kills are generally done from 300 m away, if not closer. On the plus side, the damage is equivalent to most 37 mm cannons upon hitting. Tip: In order to better learn and understand the cannon's trajectory, do not fire in conjunction with the machine guns.

The two additional machine guns are best fired alone. The MG 131 features HE shells (named IAI in-game, meaning Immediate Action Incendiary) as the Tracer belt. Yet, they are only highly effective in Simulator battles, where they will deal good damage to control surface areas, causing inexperienced pilots to lose control. In Arcade and Realistic battles, however, the instructor will dampen any such effects. Here, the damage-based Stealth and Fighter belts fare better.

The plane should equip one of two load-outs: with either the single 30 mm cannon or two 20 mm cannons. The single 30 mm is very capable of taking out two to three bombers, and the low muzzle velocity matters less due to the size of the targets. Starting the battle with three 20 mm cannons makes the plane very capable of taking out fighters due to the high shell density and sheer damage output. A single 20 mm does not deal enough damage, and the 30 mm with gunpods is rather ineffective due to the differing muzzle velocities of the 30 mm and 20 mm cannons.

One method that can be utilised is the prop pitch technique. Most of the later 109s have this, but it is really effective in the 109 K-4. This technique is using Manual Engine Control (found in sim controls) to set your prop pitch to 100% but throttle to 0%. This will turn your propeller into a giant air brake and is very helpful in forcing overshoots of the enemy aircraft. It can also be very helpful in diving, where you might get dangerously close to your rip speed.

=== Effective Strategies ===

When using the K-4, make sure to always have an altitude advantage. If any enemy is approaching at a higher altitude and/or energy state, the best bet is to dive away. This will usually work, as the enemy will probably lose interest, or be shredded apart in the dive process. Once the plane reaches 450 mph (ca. 724 km/h), hit the brakes and start slowing down so as to not rip the {{PAGENAME}} apart. To retain energy, level off while diving occasionally.

When the {{PAGENAME}} is at a higher altitude, smart enemy pilots will try to steer clear. This can be easily countered with a quick boom-and-zoom. The 30 mm cannon will take care of anything it hits, even bombers. The 30 mm cannon is practically useless in head-ons, however, so don't ever get into one. Use the {{PAGENAME}}'s superior turn rate and energy retention to get the enemy into the crosshairs. Fire away at close distances!

The K-4 performs exceptionally well against certain enemy planes. A pilot should remain vigilant for targets that are currently engaged in or have recently concluded a dogfight, as they may have depleted energy levels. Employing the element of surprise can prove highly effective in such situations. Engaging bombers is a viable option, but pilots should employ strategies that mitigate the threat posed by their defensive gunners.

Enemies worth noting:

* [[F2G-1]] - Despite being a naval plane that's designed for carrier operations, it will always outperform the K-4 at any altitude. The most viable tactic is to ambush one that is engaged. Deflection shooting and accurate shot placement are required, or else the F2G will climb away and loop behind the K-4. Employing the MK 108 helps to ensure that the enemy is destroyed, since this plane can take a ridiculous amount of damage. Lastly, having a teammate to coordinate with can vastly raise the chances of survival.
* [[P-51 (Family)|P-51s]] - They will always try to boom-and-zoom the {{PAGENAME}}. Be on constant lookout for enemies coming from behind. If one is chasing and can catch up, pretend to not notice them. When they start shooting, duck and do a loop towards the ground to gain energy. The P-51 will have a lot of speed when it tries to attack, and fortunately, will have its controls locked up. The P-51 will also bleed far too much speed trying to catch up. Head into a 20-degree climb with WEP and then attack them from above.
* [[Spitfire (Family)|Spitfires]] - They are very tough to deal with, and will always out-turn the {{PAGENAME}}, with engagements ending with the Spitfire firing from behind. Spitfires should be attacked alongside two teammates at once. Make sure that the Spitfire gets overwhelmed, then attack the spitfire from behind. Retain enough energy so the {{PAGENAME}} can climb back up to safety if the Spitfire ends up manoeuvring to the plane's rear. When a Spitfire is on the {{PAGENAME}}'s 6, dive. The Spitfire has a lot of drag with its oddly shaped wings and will not be able to keep up.
* [[Template:USA bombers|American bombers]] - While other nation's bombers have varying threat levels, all American bombers are bursting with .50 cal machine guns at almost every angle. This is especially the case for the B-17 Flying Fortress and the B-29 Superfortress. As such, the to attack a bomber with numerous defensive armaments, the K-4 pilot should:

# Fly above the bomber at distances where they cannot shoot at the the plane.
# Make sure the {{PAGENAME}} is approaching at a faster speed than the bomber.
# Fly directly above the bomber and descend on it.
# Approach the bomber as fast as possible, and shoot at it when close enough.
# Turn away, and level out to keep speed, regardless if the target is destroyed. Re-climb and re-start as needed.

===Simulator mode tips===
In Simulator, the Bf 109 K is a capable fighter that can perform many tasks. It offers great flight performance with its smooth handling, fast speed, and impressive climb rate. Its nose-mounted armaments do not require any convergence setting, making it very easy to aim. The nose gently slopes down from the windscreen, offering great over-the-nose vision. There are also a few bomb options to choose from, which are beneficial for ground-pounding or base-bombing, although these are not its primary objectives. The K model has an improved canopy side with fewer frames, and the non-transparent armour headset is replaced by a clear bulletproof glass, allowing some rear views. The metal framing around the glass is also thinner than that of the G models, giving you a better field of view on the tail. Finally, an aspect that is often ignored is that, starting from the G-6 model, the rectangular reflector glass of the gun-sight is replaced by a bigger trapezium glass. It is vertically longer, allowing the pilot to move its head up more and still see the reticle, thus getting even better views over the engine.

Before Take Off:

Bring at least 30 minutes of fuel for prolonged patrolling and fighting. The convergence does not really matter, it might be anywhere between 250-600 m. Taking off in a late Bf 109 is harder than in other aircraft, so one should familiarise themselves with the earlier 109s. When taking off, the Bf 109 will shift severely to the left side due to the considerable torque, so consider setting keybinds for left and right brakes, as they are more effective at directional control than the rudder while on the ground. As the plane just lifts off the ground it will automatically roll to the left again due to the torque, so you must immediately roll a little right to keep it level, or the left wingtip will strike the ground.

;Fighting in the air

* Dogfighting in SB involves everyday RB tactics and manoeuvres such as the Immelmann, Split-S, scissor, barrel roll, etc. The Bf 109 K handles very sluggishly on the roll axis at low speed, so take this into account if dogfighting at low speed/altitude. You can even pull the elevator fully for maximum agility, but only if you pull gently and gradually will the Bf 109 K manoeuvre as you wish. If the stick is pulled harshly and suddenly, the plane will start swaying around and enter a flat spin. The aircraft can quite easily recover from a flat spin by fully deflecting the elevators downward and moving the rudder to the opposite side of which the plane is spinning; then wait until it starts a dive and gather some speed to pull up.
* If you want to engage bombers, consider bringing gunpods to maximise your damage output. Against late-war heavy bombers like the B-17 Flying Fortress, relying solely on the one central cannon might also work, but that requires more professional evading and longer aiming which is considerably more dangerous, as the bombers you see will be better armed. Choosing between the 30 mm and 20 mm gunpods is up to you. The extra two MK 108 will significantly boost your one-second burst mass and damage, which can be used to a very destructive effect for experienced pilots doing deflection shots, however the pathetic 35 rounds per gun will not last long in, for example, a "destroy enemy bombers" mission where there are ~10 aircraft to down. The pair of MG151 is more balanced in terms of ammo and velocity, although they do not pack as much punch in a short firing window. Still, with the powerful mine shells, one to three passes are enough to destroy any aircraft. In fact, gunpods can also be helpful in dogfights against certain fighters, as long as the performance of the enemy aircraft is inferior.

;Landing

Landing may need practice for some. It is easy at first: decelerate and descent towards the runway, deploy combat, takeoff, landing flaps and gears in this order, fly at ~210 km/h before touchdown. Now note that you must align the plane with the airstrip correctly before touchdown and do not yaw to one side too much when braking, as the undercarriages are so close together that they cannot support such lateral force, causing the plane to wobble on its tyres dangerously or even tilt towards one side, striking a wingtip into the ground.

=== Manual Engine Control ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
|-
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
! colspan="3" | Radiator
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
|-
! Oil !! Water !! Type
|-
| Not controllable || Controllable Auto control available || Controllable Auto control available || Controllable Auto control available || Separate || Not controllable 1 gear || Not controllable
|-
|}
[[File:Bf109 K-4 jonigustavo 001.png|thumb|right|300px|]]

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Very powerful engine when using WEP, providing excellent acceleration and climb rate
* Manual engine control can extend the climb rate and top speed in realistic and simulator battles
* Good performance at medium altitude
* Good firepower for destroying larger attackers and bombers
* Can carry additional armament
* 30 mm cannon will usually destroy anything that it hits
* Can research a nose-mounted 20 mm MG 151 cannon, which makes deflection shooting much more reliable
* Exceptional high-speed manoeuvrability
* All weaponry mounted in the nose, allowing easy aiming without having to worry about convergence

'''Cons:'''

* Low cannon ammunition count for the 30 mm MK 108 cannon and the 13 mm MG 131 machine guns
* Low velocity 30 mm shell with a high drop, resulting in a gigantic lead angle on targets, in turn leading to poor dogfight performance due to having to pull extreme turns to get the guns on target
* Flimsy airframe, prone to react heavily to damage
* When the aircraft is stock, very heavy and slow to fly without WEP
* Stock 13 mm machine gun belts consist solely out of tracers which alerts the enemy, makes aiming the 30 mm difficult
* Fighters with lower top speeds but better low altitude performances (such as Russia's La-7 fighters) will find it quite easy to shoot down the K-4 when at a low‑energy state
* Very slow-deploying flaps
* For Sim, the numerous canopy frames and razorback greatly limit the all-round view, and huge engine torque causes severe turning when taking off
* Mk 108 cannon has low muzzle velocity requiring to research MG 151 or MG 151 gun pods if you are unexpired with the MK 108

== History ==

=== Design and development ===
Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, the Luftwaffe (German Air Force) moved ahead at break-neck speeds to develop civilian aircraft which secretly doubled as military fighters and bombers, requiring only minor modifications for militarisation. Aircraft designated as transport and airline variants could easily be converted to bombers, and the initial Bf 109 was no different in its purposes. The birth of the Bf 109 started out as a requirement from Hermann Göring, Reichsminister of Aviation, proposed to the newly appointed Theo Croneiß of Bayerische Flugzeugwerke (BFW, Bavarian Aircraft Works). The requirement was for a single-seat high-speed courier plane, obviously, one which could be converted into a fighter when the time required. At the same time this requirement went out, the Reichsluftfahrtministerium's (RLM, Reich Aviation Ministry) Technisches Amt (C-AMT) or technical department was tasked with projecting aircraft requirements for potential future air combat and of the four main types determined to be essential, single-seat fighter requirements were published as L.A. 1432/33.
[[File:Bf109 K-4 wallysonbf 001.png|thumb|right|300px|]]
These fighter requirements were as follows:

* Top speed – 400 km/h (250 mph) at 6,000 m (19,690 ft) maintained for 20 minutes
* Total flight duration – 90 minutes
* Critical altitude of 4,000 m reached within 17 minutes
* Operational ceiling – 10,000 m (32,810 ft)
* Armed with 1 x 20 mm Motorkanone and two 7.92 mm machine guns
* Rated performance in the order of level speed, rate of climb and manoeuvrability

During the early years of BFW, Willy Messerschmitt designed the transport aircraft the BFW M.20, however due to several high-profile crashes of these transport aircraft, one of which included test pilot Hans Hackmack, a close friend of Erhard Milch (at the time, head of Luft Hansa and the German civil aviation authorities). With Erhard Milch, a lifelong hatred developed when Messerschmitt responded very callously to events about the crash. During this time, BFW went bankrupt and Messerschmitt went to work designing aircraft for a Romanian airline company. At the time requirements for L.A. 1432/33 were published, Messerschmitt was called back to Berlin and basically told his efforts were to be used for the Fatherland. Messerschmitt acquiesced and was given the specifications for the potential fighter, which after review, he proceeded to relate a very unfavourable opinion of the fighter as if built as described, the fighter would be literally obsolete as it rolled off the assembly line and unable to catch up to even medium bombers. After hearing the report and seeing the truth in Messerschmitt's words, the Technisches Amt awarded BFW the contract to build a fighter aircraft and Willy Messerschmitt was given free rein over the design of the aircraft.

Messerschmitt began design of the P.1034 (later known as Bf 109), and much like its older transport sibling the Bf 108, the new fighter was developed based on Messerschmitt's lightweight construction principle, the basis of which was to minimise the number of separate parts used, which would speed up construction and lead to ease of maintenance. For example, many of the main connection points for the airframe, engine frame and wings all had their connecting load points at the firewall. Another example was having the landing gear attached to the fuselage and not the wings, which allowed for removal of the wings without having to support the aircraft on jack-stands and also reduced the stress on the wing roots during takeoff and landing. One tell-tale sign of a Bf 109 is the landing gear slightly splayed outwards, this was to increase the stability of the aircraft while taxiing on the ground by providing a wider track, making it less prone to flipping over.

Forethought was put into the aircraft, especially for mechanics which would service the aircraft on the front-lines of battle. The entire engine cowling, weapon hatches, and other maintenance access panels could be removed, allowing the mechanics full access to service, repair and even replace critical parts on the aircraft with little difficulty. Pipe connections were colour-coded and electrical cabling plugged into junction boxes, this innovative design allowed for the swift replacement of old engines with new ones, a process that typically took only a matter of minutes. This level of efficiency and ease was unparalleled in most military aircraft of the time.

While a high-speed requirement would necessitate a small wing to decrease surface area, Messerschmitt knew this would require a more powerful engine to generate enough lift to maintain flight. The wings of the Bf 109 had several modifications which would compensate for these issues to include high-lift devices such as automatically opening leading edge slats and trailing edge flaps which had a large camber to allow for a significant increase in lift when deployed. To help increase the overall flap effectiveness, the ailerons would also "droop" to aid in the flap's work. The aircraft's weapons were all centrally located in the fuselage, with the large cannons mounted in the propeller hub and the machine guns located in the upper fuselage, leaving the wings to be very thin and light. This allowed for a significant increase in manoeuvrability.

Messerschmitt was ahead of his time, this was noted when the Bf 109 went to trials. Most experienced military pilots were seasoned World War I pilots who spent their time flying biplane fighters such as the He-51, aircraft with two sets of wings, an open cockpit, low wing loading and light g-forces, one look at the new Bf 109 produced sour reactions, especially from stunt and ace pilot Ernst Udet. At first, Udet had serious doubts about the Bf 109 and requested directly from Messerschmitt to remove the canopy to allow the pilot to judge the aircraft's speed through the air stream and to add a second wing with struts and wires; otherwise the aircraft was destined to fail as a fighter. Udet's initial test flight of the Bf 109 drastically changed his opinion of the revolutionary new fighter, forever altering how Germany designed and manufactured their fighters.

Throughout the years, the Bf 109 went through many iterations involving upgrades and fine-tuning. The last of the series was the Bf 109 K series, also known as Kurfürst. Unfortunately for this series, it was a compilation of model upgrades, modification kits and factory conversions which ultimately made both the production and maintenance of this aircraft a literal nightmare in both cost and complication with its maintenance. Due to problems with the series production and the late stage of the war when it entered, the K-4 model was the only version to be mass-produced. External changes included moving the radio equipment hatch, fuselage fuel tank filler point, the direction-finding loop and the addition of a retractable tail-wheel with clam-shell doors. Armament would include a 30 mm Motorkanone and two 13 mm machine guns with options to attach bombs or 20 mm cannon gondola-style pods; however, the suspended armament was rarely utilised. Between November 1944 and March 1945, a total of 1,593 Bf 109 K-4 fighters were produced, one in four Bf 109s listed in front-line fighting units was a Bf 109 K-4. Unfortunately, at this point in the war, the Bf 109 K-4 had two things going against it, first was the appearance of jet fighters which nullified any advantages the K-4 had achieved and secondly, the hastily trained novice pilots at this point of the war could not exploit the K-4's advantages which would eventually come from experience.

{{break}}
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
The Messerschmitt Bf 109 was a single-seat monoplane fighter used by the Luftwaffe before and during WWII. It was used as a fighter, interceptor, high-altitude interceptor, fighter-bomber and reconnaissance aircraft.

The Bf 109K "Kurfuerst" was the last mass-produced variant of the Bf 109 family. It first reached front-line units in September 1944 (or early 1945, according to other data). The fighter was powered by the Daimler-Benz DB 605 DCM engine and had more powerful armament, with some variants equipped with two 15 mm or three 30 mm cannon.
{{Navigation-End}}

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=bf-109k-4 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<div><ul>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Bf109 K-4 speedsteer1944.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Bf109 K-4 *olfie- 001.jpg |thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
</ul></div>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|0I9fzmNuJyE|'''Enjoying The Beast - Bf 109 K-4''' - ''Napalmratte''|xMZo89CWWuA|'''Bf 109 K-4 Propeller Pitch Technique''' - ''JZA80 98' Supra''|Luxss9DRoZU|'''Bf 109 K-4 Vs Spitfires - Techniques and Strategies''' - ''Green Fury''|nYXB_a0RA40|'''War Thunder Realistic: Bf 109 K-4 [High-G Resistant]''' - ''Jengar''}}

== See also ==


;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* North American [[P-51 (Family)|P-51]] Mustang
* Yakovlev [[Yak-9]]
* Kawasaki [[Ki-61 (Family)|Ki-61]]
* Fiat [[G.55 serie 1|G.55]]
* [[IAR-81C]]

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/100367-messerschmitt-bf-109-k-4/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
* [https://www.chuckhawks.com/messerschmitt_Bf109.htm <nowiki>[Chuck Hawks]</nowiki> The Best Fighter of its Generation (1935-1945): Messerschmitt Bf 109]
* [https://www.luftkrieg-ueber-europa.de/en/how-good-was-the-messerschmitt-bf-109/ <nowiki>[Luftkrieg über Europa]</nowiki> How good was the Messerschmitt Bf 109?]
* [http://kurfurst.org/ <nowiki>[Kurfürst]</nowiki> The Messerschmitt Bf 109 Performance Resource Site]

{{AirManufacturer BFW}}
{{Germany fighters}}

MiG-21MF (Germany)

2023-08-07T23:29:06Z

U115020311: /* Pros and cons */

{{About
| about = German jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = MiG-21 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=mig-21_mf
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|MiG-21MF WebsiteImage 1.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (NATO Code: Fishbed-J) is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.95 "Northern Wind"]].

It is a single-engine delta-wing supersonic interceptor with conventional tail and fully-moving elevators.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


The '''{{Specs|name}}''' has mediocre flight performance in every aspect among top rank jets. It will get out-accelerated by British Phantoms or MiG-21 bis, outturned by Draken or Mirage, and out-sped by 2nd gen US Phantoms (F-4E/EJ), Starfighters or MiG-21 bis. The delta wing provides great angle-of-attack (AoA) while turning but it also mean the plane loses huge amount of speed doing so. This means that staying behind enemy in 1 vs. 1 is fairly simple, but when there are multiple bandits one might lose all their speed and become an easy missile target if turning too much.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 13,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,196 || 2,178 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 34.0 || 35.1 || 139.6 || 131.0 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,295 || 2,240 || 32.3 || 33.0 || 192.8 || 165.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 500 || 450 || ~12 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 650 || < 600 || < 950 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Tumansky R-13-300 || 1
| colspan="2" | 5,962 kg || colspan="3" | 359 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 11m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 38m fuel
|-
| 1,135 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 6,651 kg || 7,170 kg || 7,774 kg || 8,258 kg || 9,900 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 11m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 38m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 3,825 kgf || 6,483 kgf
| 0.97 || 0.90 || 0.83 || 0.79 || 0.65
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 3,825 kgf (0 km/h) || 6,977 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.05 || 0.97 || 0.90 || 0.84 || 0.70
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}


The MiG-21MF lacks armour plating. It also has one engine unlike some other planes. This means that the survivability is very low, even among jets. Getting hit is something that should be avoided at all cost, because should the plane survive it, even small wing damage will force the pilot to return to base. The plane has a radar warning receiver (RWR), and countermeasures, including flares and chaff.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

Your main priority is to get to the R-60s as soon as possible, this will require you to unlock two tier III modifications. Unless you particularly want to research the ground attack ordnance you will be wanting to unlock "Wings repair" and "New 23 mm cannons" at tier III. Therefore you should research "Offensive 23 mm belts" as your first modification at tier I. This will then unlock tier II modifications where you can research "R-3S" and your choice of "New boosters" or "Airframe" (up to you in which order you unlock these), it may be appealing to unlock missiles first to help with the grind but you should keep in mind that the R-3S missiles are slightly worse than the [[AIM-9B]], which means they cannot be fired in even a gentle turn or climb. Once tier III modifications are accessible, you can unlock "Wings repair" and "New 23 mm cannons" in whichever order you want and then go for the R-60s. Once the R-60s are available you can unlock the remaining modifications in whatever order you see fit, however it is highly recommended to go for G-suit and engine upgrades first.

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|GSh-23L (23 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* A choice between two presets:
** 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon, belly-mounted (200 rpg)
** 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon + 64 x countermeasures

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|OFAB-250sv (250 kg)|S-5K|S-24}}
{{main|R-3R|R-3S|R-60}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance presets:

* Without load
* 2 x R-3S missiles
* 2 x R-3R missiles
* 4 x R-3S missiles
* 4 x R-3R missiles
* 4 x R-60 missiles
* 4 x S-24 rockets
* 64 x S-5K rockets
* 64 x S-5K rockets
* 4 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs (1,000 kg total)

==== Custom loadout options ====
{| class="wikitable" width="100%" style="text-align:center"
|-
! !! width="11%" | 1 !! width="11%" | 2 !! width="11%" | 3 !! width="11%" | 4
| rowspan="7" width="25%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_MiG-21bis.png]]</div>
|-
! 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! S-5K rockets
| 16 || 16, 32 || 16, 32 || 16
|-
! S-24 rockets
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! R-3R missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! R-3S missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! R-60 missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==


While the '''{{Specs|name}}''' itself is a pretty mediocre fighter, it has access to 4 deadly R-60 missiles. These missiles work the best when enemy is slow, so the recommended tactic is to wait a bit before engaging into the battle.

Due to the immense speed bleed in turns, it is strongly recommended to keep the speed high near enemies, unless one really wants to closely meet AIM-9J. Dropping below 800 km/h makes it really hard to dodge this missile. When an enemy is spotted, it is recommended to turn roughly into their direction, so when they engage, they'll have to make a 180° turn, which will give time for MiG pilot to disengage without risking getting hit by a missile.

Engaging in 1 v 1 situation can sometimes be done, but unless a faster opponent forces it (which happens rarely, as faster opponents turn worse than the MiG) it is only recommended if there are no other enemies nearby. However, do never turn-fight with Draken or Mirage. A good tactic for defensive dogfights is trying to make enemy overshoot, especially against Phantoms. Keep in mind however that you can outrun F-4C.

===Specific enemies worth noting===

* MiG-21 bis and MiG-21 SMT, if you play against the Soviets. They are faster and have better acceleration (bis in particular) but are slightly heavier and less agile
* Mirage IIIC, has very similar acceleration and top speed, but will outturn MiG-21 MF and has great Matra Magic missiles.
* F-4E/F-4EJ. They are armed with great missiles, fighting them at altitude is not recommended. One the deck they are faster and have better energy retention.
* J35 Draken, will always outturn you. It is very important to keep an energy advantage when attempting to fight the Draken, turn fighting is the worst thing possible against a Draken and tactics that involve retaining energy is best when attempting to fight the Draken. Forcing the Draken to dump its energy is the best way to fight against it.

=== Radars ===

The MiG-21MF is equipped with a Sapphire-21 search and tracking radar. The radar is mounted in the nose of the aircraft.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="4" | Sapphire-21 - Target Detection Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Detection Range|The maximum possible range at which a target can be detected}}
! {{Annotation|Guaranteed Detection Range|The range, below which, detection of a target is practically guaranteed}}
! {{Annotation|Max Azimuth Scan Angle|How far to each side the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
! {{Annotation|Max Elevation Scan Angle|How far up and down the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
|-
| 30,000 m (theoretical) || 20,000 m || ±30.0° || -3.0°/+17.0°
|-
! colspan="4" | Sapphire-21 - Target Tracking Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Tracking Range|The maximum range at which a target can be tracked}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum Tracking Range|The range below which targets cannot be tracked by the radar}}
! {{Annotation|Azimuth Tracking Angle|How far to each side the radar can track a target}}
! {{Annotation|Elevation Tracking Angle|How far up and down the radar can track a target}}
|-
| 20,000 m || 300 m || ±30.0° || ±17.0°
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Access to four R-60 missiles with great tracking and G-tolerance
* High AoA
* Good ground attack loadouts
* Light and agile
* A small profile which is harder to hit
* Decent fuel load allows for reheating for the whole match
* Equipped with flares

'''Cons:'''

* Terrible cannon armament
* Terrible energy retention
* No combat flaps
* Large fuel burn when using afterburners

== History ==

The MiG-21MF (Germany) is a second-generation variant of the popular MiG-21 'Fishbed'. Operated by the East German Air Force (''Luftstreitkräfte der Nationalen Volksarmee''; '''LSK''') between 1972 and 1990, the aircraft was an export variant of the MiG-21SM, and is highly similar to its counterpart, the [[MiG-21SMT]]. Designated the 'Fishbed-J', the aircraft formed the bulk of the LSK in the late stages of the Cold War. All German MiG-21 aircraft were retired following the German Reunification, though some survive as museum aircraft to this day.<ref name=":0">Aviata. (2020)</ref><ref name=":1">Museum, D. (2020)</ref>

=== Design and procurement ===
The East German Air Force received many MiG-21 variants due to their ties with the Soviet Bloc. 76 MiG-21F-13 aircraft had been delivered to the East German Air Force in the early 1960s, and they later received 50 MiG-21PF 'Fishbed-D' planes, which were known as the MiG-21PFM in East German service.<ref name=":0" /> This generated considerable confusion as the German MiG-21PFs had inadvertently been given the same name as the later, Soviet-made, MiG-21PFM 'Fishbed-F'.<ref name=":0" /> However, in the early 1970s, the LSK received its first 3rd-generation MiG-21s, the MiG-21MF. This aircraft was essentially an export variant of the Soviet MiG-21SM. 50 MiG-21MFs were delivered to the LSK between 1972 and 1974.<ref name=":0" />

The MiG-21MF differs from the standard MiG-21SM by having a less powerful engine and simplified radar system, meaning that it accelerates slightly slower than its Soviet counterpart. It could reach a maximum speed of 2,230 km/h, and was flown by a single pilot.<ref name=":1" /> As an interceptor, it carried a 23 mm dual-barreled cannon with 200 rounds in a ventral pack, and was also capable of fitting a variety of munitions including bombs, rockets and missiles.<ref name=":0" />

=== Service history ===
The MiG-21MF enjoyed a fairly uneventful service history with the LSK. The aircraft served with ''Jagdgeschwader'' (JG, fighter group) 8 and JG 9. It complemented the earlier MiG-21PFM and MiG-21F-13 aircraft in German service. Later on, it was complemented by the MiG-21bis, the final MiG-21 variant to serve with the German Air Force. At the time of the German reunification, many MiG-21s remained in German service.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> As the new combined ''Luftwaffe'' had no plans to continue using the Soviet-era interceptor, all MiG-21 aircraft were retired in late 1990 following the German reunification. Many of those aircraft were reserved as museum pieces, and several survive to this day in museums across the globe.<ref name=":1" />

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=mig-21_mf Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
File:MiG-21MF.jpg
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|oMWZhOXmQYg|'''"MiG-21MF - The Orange MiG [Air Forces]''' - ''BaconGaming''|vhTZXYk6eao|'''Tank busters''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 4:19 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|DwixJCfFMU8|'''MiG-21MF''' - ''Napalmratte''|R8lBSC7IFUM|'''Should You Buy The MiG-21MF??''' - ''Sako Sniper''}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* {{Specs-Link|mig-21_f13}}
* {{Specs-Link|mig-21_smt}}
* {{Specs-Link|mig-21_bis}}

== External links ==


* [[wikipedia:Mikoyan-Gurevich_MiG-21|[Wikipedia] Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21]]
* [http://www.airvectors.net/avmig21_1.html <nowiki>[Air Vectors]</nowiki> The Mikoyan MiG-21 - MiG-21 Single-Seat Variants]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/479893-mig-21mf/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

=== References ===
<references />
=== Works Cited ===

* Aviata. (2020). German MiG-21. Retrieved November 23, 2020, from <nowiki>https://aviatia.net/german-mig-21/</nowiki>
* Museum, D. (2020). Mikojan-Gurewitsch MiG-21 MF. Retrieved November 23, 2020, from <nowiki>https://www.deutsches-museum.de/en/flugwerft/collections/jet-aircraft/mig-21/</nowiki>

{{AirManufacturer MiG}}
{{Germany jet aircraft}}

User:U115020311

2023-07-16T23:42:47Z

U115020311: about me

i kinda suck