War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

Su-22M4 (Germany)

2024-03-30T04:41:40Z

U138562325: /* Flight performance */

{{About
| about = strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Su-17/22 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=su_22m4
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

During the 1980s, the Soviet Union and its allies began adopting upgraded variants of the Su-17 fighter-bomber, which was exported as the "Su-22" for Soviet allies. The East German air force would receive 48 of the latest Su-22M4 fighter bomber, along with 8 of the twin-seat [[Su-22UM3K (Germany)|Su-22UM-3K]] trainer aircraft. The German Su-22s would serve as a frontline strike aircraft for the Warsaw Pact countries, and as a primary line of attack during a possible war with NATO. The Su-22M4s would remain in East German service until the re-unification of Germany, when almost all of the German Su-22s were either scrapped or sold off as they were incompatible with NATO hardware and standards. Only a few Su-22M4s were kept and repainted in Luftwaffe liveries for briefly serving as evaluation and testing aircraft.

Introduced in [[Update "La Royale"]] as a continuation of the fighter-bomber line, following its weaker brother, the Su-22UM3K, in the tech tree, the '''Su-22M4''' is the top-range Su-17/22 model, and is nearly identical to the [[Su-17M4]] in the Soviet aircraft tree. This aircraft is characterized by its upgrades over its predecessor in the tree, mainly in that it can carry advanced guided ordnance such TV guided weapons in addition to the familiar laser guided ordnance. The aircraft is also no slouch in the air-to-air department either, now carrying over 250 countermeasures and the all-aspect [[R-60MK]] missiles, delivered swiftly to the enemy's location using the upgraded engine and avionics. All in all, this aircraft serves as a true titan of multirole performance for the aircraft of the German top ranks, excelling at both air to air and air to ground tasks, making it a force to be reckoned with in mixed battles.

== 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 11,000m)
! 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
| 2,027 || 2,011 || rowspan="2" | 19500
| 27.3 || 27.5 ||167.9|| 161.3 || rowspan="2" | ___
|-
! 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
|-
| _ || _ || _ || _ || _ || _ 
|-
|}

{| 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}} || ___ || ___ || ___ || ~__ || ~__
|-
|}

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

==== 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" | Saturn AL-21F-3 || 1
| colspan="2" | 11,245 kg || colspan="3" | 438 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | 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
! 12m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 40m fuel
|-
| 1,800 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 12,385 kg || 13,102 kg || 14,031 kg || 15,045 kg || 19,302 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
! 12m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 40m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 6,400 kgf || 9,039 kgf
| 0.73 || 0.69 || 0.64 || 0.60 || 0.47
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 7,232 kgf (1,200 km/h) || 13,188 kgf (1,417 km/h)
| 1.06 || 1.01 || 0.94 || 0.88 || 0.68
|-
|}

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

''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''

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

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

{{main|NR-30 (30 mm)}}

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

* A choice between two presets:
** 2 x 30 mm NR-30 cannons, wing root-mounted (80 rpg = 160 total)
** 2 x 30 mm NR-30 cannons + 256 x countermeasures + 12 x large calibre countermeasures

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="5%" | 1 !! width="5%" | 2 !! width="5%" | 3 !! width="5%" | 4 !! width="5%" | 5 !! width="5%" | 6 !! width="5%" | 7 !! width="5%" | 8
| rowspan="21" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_Su-22UM3K_(Germany).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
| 5 || || 1 || 4 || 4 || 1 || || 5
|-
! [[OFAB-250sv (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250sv]] bombs
| 1 || || 1 || 3 || 3 || 1 || || 1
|-
! [[OFAB-250Sh (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250Sh]] bombs
| 1 || || 1 || 3 || 3 || 1 || || 1
|-
! [[FAB-500M-62 (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500M-62]] bombs
| 1 || || 1 || 2 || 2 || 1 || || 1
|-
! [[FAB-500Sh (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500Sh]] bombs
| 1 || || 1 || 2 || 2 || 1 || || 1
|-
! [[ZB-500 incendiary]] bombs
| 1 || || || 1 || 1 || || || 1
|-
! [[S-3K]] rockets
| 7 || || || 7 || 7 || || || 7
|-
! [[S-5K]] rockets
| 32 || || 32 || || || 32 || || 32
|-
! [[S-8KO]] rockets
| 20 || || 20 || || || 20 || || 20
|-
! [[S-13OF]] rockets
| 5 || || 5 || || || 5 || || 5
|-
! [[S-24B]] rockets
| 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1
|-
! [[S-25O]] rockets
| 1 || || || || || || || 1
|-
! [[Kh-25ML]] missiles
| 1 || || || 1 || 1 || || || 1
|-
! [[Kh-29L]] missiles
| || || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
! [[Kh-29T]] missiles
| || || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
! [[S-25L]] missiles
| 1 || || || || || || || 1
|-
! [[R-60MK]] missiles
| || 1 || 2 || || || 2 || 1 ||
|-
! 820 l drop tanks
| 1 || || || 1 || 1 || || || 1
|-
| colspan="9" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 4,160 kg Maximum permissible wing load: 2,100 kg Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 700 kg
|-
|}

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

* 4 x 820 l drop tanks
* 2 x R-60MK missiles
* 6 x R-60MK missiles
* 20 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 10 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs (2,500 kg total)
* 10 x 250 kg OFAB-250Sh bombs (2,500 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)
* 28 x S-3K rockets
* 128 x S-5K rockets
* 80 x S-8KO rockets
* 20 x S-13OF rockets
* 6 x S-24B rockets
* 2 x S-25O rockets
* 4 x Kh-25ML missiles
* 2 x Kh-29T missiles
* 2 x Kh-29L missiles
* 2 x S-25L missiles
* 4 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 1,000 total)
* 4 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''

=== Pros and cons ===

''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''

'''Pros:'''

*

'''Cons:'''

*

== 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 ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=su_22m4 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== 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.''

;;Related Development
;*[[Su-17/22 (Family)]]

; '''Other jet planes with variable sweep wings'''

* [[Tornado (Family)]]
* [[MiG-23 (Family)]]
* [[F-14 (Family)|F14 (Family)]]
* [[F-111A]]

== External links ==

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

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

{{Germany jet aircraft}}

Su-22M4 (Germany)

2024-03-30T04:41:11Z

U138562325: /* Flight performance */

{{About
| about = strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Su-17/22 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=su_22m4
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

During the 1980s, the Soviet Union and its allies began adopting upgraded variants of the Su-17 fighter-bomber, which was exported as the "Su-22" for Soviet allies. The East German air force would receive 48 of the latest Su-22M4 fighter bomber, along with 8 of the twin-seat [[Su-22UM3K (Germany)|Su-22UM-3K]] trainer aircraft. The German Su-22s would serve as a frontline strike aircraft for the Warsaw Pact countries, and as a primary line of attack during a possible war with NATO. The Su-22M4s would remain in East German service until the re-unification of Germany, when almost all of the German Su-22s were either scrapped or sold off as they were incompatible with NATO hardware and standards. Only a few Su-22M4s were kept and repainted in Luftwaffe liveries for briefly serving as evaluation and testing aircraft.

Introduced in [[Update "La Royale"]] as a continuation of the fighter-bomber line, following its weaker brother, the Su-22UM3K, in the tech tree, the '''Su-22M4''' is the top-range Su-17/22 model, and is nearly identical to the [[Su-17M4]] in the Soviet aircraft tree. This aircraft is characterized by its upgrades over its predecessor in the tree, mainly in that it can carry advanced guided ordnance such TV guided weapons in addition to the familiar laser guided ordnance. The aircraft is also no slouch in the air-to-air department either, now carrying over 250 countermeasures and the all-aspect [[R-60MK]] missiles, delivered swiftly to the enemy's location using the upgraded engine and avionics. All in all, this aircraft serves as a true titan of multirole performance for the aircraft of the German top ranks, excelling at both air to air and air to ground tasks, making it a force to be reckoned with in mixed battles.

== 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 11,000m)
! 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
| 2,027 || 2,011 || rowspan="2" | 19500
{{Specs|ceiling}}
| 27.3 || 27.5 ||167.9|| 161.3 || rowspan="2" | ___
|-
! 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
|-
| _ || _ || _ || _ || _ || _ 
|-
|}

{| 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}} || ___ || ___ || ___ || ~__ || ~__
|-
|}

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

==== 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" | Saturn AL-21F-3 || 1
| colspan="2" | 11,245 kg || colspan="3" | 438 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | 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
! 12m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 40m fuel
|-
| 1,800 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 12,385 kg || 13,102 kg || 14,031 kg || 15,045 kg || 19,302 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
! 12m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 40m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 6,400 kgf || 9,039 kgf
| 0.73 || 0.69 || 0.64 || 0.60 || 0.47
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 7,232 kgf (1,200 km/h) || 13,188 kgf (1,417 km/h)
| 1.06 || 1.01 || 0.94 || 0.88 || 0.68
|-
|}

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

''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''

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

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

{{main|NR-30 (30 mm)}}

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

* A choice between two presets:
** 2 x 30 mm NR-30 cannons, wing root-mounted (80 rpg = 160 total)
** 2 x 30 mm NR-30 cannons + 256 x countermeasures + 12 x large calibre countermeasures

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="5%" | 1 !! width="5%" | 2 !! width="5%" | 3 !! width="5%" | 4 !! width="5%" | 5 !! width="5%" | 6 !! width="5%" | 7 !! width="5%" | 8
| rowspan="21" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_Su-22UM3K_(Germany).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
| 5 || || 1 || 4 || 4 || 1 || || 5
|-
! [[OFAB-250sv (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250sv]] bombs
| 1 || || 1 || 3 || 3 || 1 || || 1
|-
! [[OFAB-250Sh (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250Sh]] bombs
| 1 || || 1 || 3 || 3 || 1 || || 1
|-
! [[FAB-500M-62 (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500M-62]] bombs
| 1 || || 1 || 2 || 2 || 1 || || 1
|-
! [[FAB-500Sh (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500Sh]] bombs
| 1 || || 1 || 2 || 2 || 1 || || 1
|-
! [[ZB-500 incendiary]] bombs
| 1 || || || 1 || 1 || || || 1
|-
! [[S-3K]] rockets
| 7 || || || 7 || 7 || || || 7
|-
! [[S-5K]] rockets
| 32 || || 32 || || || 32 || || 32
|-
! [[S-8KO]] rockets
| 20 || || 20 || || || 20 || || 20
|-
! [[S-13OF]] rockets
| 5 || || 5 || || || 5 || || 5
|-
! [[S-24B]] rockets
| 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1
|-
! [[S-25O]] rockets
| 1 || || || || || || || 1
|-
! [[Kh-25ML]] missiles
| 1 || || || 1 || 1 || || || 1
|-
! [[Kh-29L]] missiles
| || || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
! [[Kh-29T]] missiles
| || || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
! [[S-25L]] missiles
| 1 || || || || || || || 1
|-
! [[R-60MK]] missiles
| || 1 || 2 || || || 2 || 1 ||
|-
! 820 l drop tanks
| 1 || || || 1 || 1 || || || 1
|-
| colspan="9" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 4,160 kg Maximum permissible wing load: 2,100 kg Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 700 kg
|-
|}

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

* 4 x 820 l drop tanks
* 2 x R-60MK missiles
* 6 x R-60MK missiles
* 20 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 10 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs (2,500 kg total)
* 10 x 250 kg OFAB-250Sh bombs (2,500 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)
* 28 x S-3K rockets
* 128 x S-5K rockets
* 80 x S-8KO rockets
* 20 x S-13OF rockets
* 6 x S-24B rockets
* 2 x S-25O rockets
* 4 x Kh-25ML missiles
* 2 x Kh-29T missiles
* 2 x Kh-29L missiles
* 2 x S-25L missiles
* 4 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 1,000 total)
* 4 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''

=== Pros and cons ===

''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''

'''Pros:'''

*

'''Cons:'''

*

== 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 ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=su_22m4 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== 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.''

;;Related Development
;*[[Su-17/22 (Family)]]

; '''Other jet planes with variable sweep wings'''

* [[Tornado (Family)]]
* [[MiG-23 (Family)]]
* [[F-14 (Family)|F14 (Family)]]
* [[F-111A]]

== External links ==

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

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

{{Germany jet aircraft}}

SA 313B Alouette II (Germany)

2024-02-08T02:23:57Z

U138562325: minor issues with number of guns and error in name of vehicle

{{About
| about = German utility helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Alouette (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=sa_313b
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German utility helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.83 "Masters of the Sea"]]. A [[SA.313B Alouette II|French design]], the ''Alouette II'' was in West-German service and could carry a multitude of armaments.

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


The Alouette II is a small, nimble utility helicopter capable of maintaining speeds of 225 km/h and is longitudinally stable above 35 km/h. The Alouette II design is the only helicopter in the game without some form of SAS mode aside from the [[UH-1 (Family)|Huey family]], however since 1.91 the rotorcraft has the option for co-pilot assistance and since 1.89, autopilot assistance while in ATGM binocular view. The Alouette II is unstable with the default trim settings so it is highly recommended to go through test flight to assign the default trim settings. The Alouette II has the lowest retreating blade stall speed starting margin of only 185 km/h however retreating blade stalls can easily be recovered from by pitching up and yawing to the right in joystick mode.The Alouette also lacks rotor control authority compared to other helicopters and struggles to get into and maintain efficient gliding due to its tendency to yaw and pitch down with the high drag skeleton tail.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 0 m - at sea level)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 168 || 155 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}}
|-
! Upgraded
| 202 || 185
|-
|}

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


The Alouette II has no armour. However its small size allows it to easily weave through forests to stay hidden and actively dodge ATGMs. However it is highly prone to rotor linkage, engine and fuel tank damage. The Alouette II does not have infrared imaging devices (but it does have an image intensifier) nor a Radar Warning System.

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

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

{{main|MG3 (7.62 mm)}}

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

* 4 x 7.62 mm MG3 machine guns (250 rpg = 1,000 total)

The four machine guns are arranged with two above each landing skid. Only the default ammo belt is available. Due to their low calibre, they have limited effectiveness against helicopters and planes, and are almost useless against all but the lightest-armoured ground vehicles. However, they have a high rate of fire (1,200 rpm), which aids damage output at the expense of total firing time.

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Heli-Suspended}}

{{main|AS.11}}

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

* 4 x AS.11 missiles

Although few missiles can be carried, they are able to severely damage and destroy enemy tanks. It is important to note that although AS.11 missiles are usable, they are much worse than many missiles carried by other helicopters, and that the Alouette's anti-tank armament is weak in general.

== Usage in battles ==

The Alouette doesn't have the power of a conventional helicopter. Being a 1950s helicopter, its engine is very weak compared to its counterparts. Use it at a low altitude and make use of the AS.11 missiles, but beware, the Alouette can only carry 4 of them which is a fairly low amount. Use them wisely. The Alouette, like most other starter helis, are extremely susceptible to death by fighter aircraft, because you have no means of self-defense except 4 rifle calibre machine guns.

The Alouette's small size makes it highly effective at sneaking zone captures in ground battles. Despite its slow speed, it is still able to get to certain capture zones faster than any ground vehicles in certain domination missions.

With joystick controls, it is best to fly the helicopter around 40 to 60 knots as it is stable in that region without SAS / autopilot flight assistance modes however do be aware of the helicopter creeping forward too close to the battlefield. The helicopter is highly susceptible to ATGM hits with SAS / autopilot modes, however it is much easier to fly with those modes active.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Small airframe
* Small rotor system
* Nimble
* High rate of fire machineguns
* Very stable at moderate to high speeds
* Maintains energy well in turns (joystick)

'''Cons:'''

* Spalling from a single hit tend to knock out the engine and/or rotor linkage system
* AS.11 maximum range is 3.5 km
* Missiles are very slow meaning hitting distant targets (+2 km) can be very hard
* Can only carry 4 ATGMs limiting anti-tank usability
* Very low redline speed limit (275 km/h)
* Very low retreating blade stall mechanic speed limit (starts at 185 km/h and gets difficult to handle above 220 km/h, and is only recoverable with full real joystick controls past 260 km/h)

== History ==

The light, multipurpose, single-engined SA.313B Alouette II (French for "Skylark") helicopter was developed by the French company Sud-Aviation in the 1960s and was widely used both by civilian and military organizations. Many other countries also obtained a license to manufacture these helicopters. In addition to civilian use, this light helicopter has a rich military history. The SA.313B fought wars in Algeria and Rhodesia and took part in several local conflicts. The model's success is demonstrated by the fact that the SA.313B is still being used for civilian purposes and by the militaries of some countries nowadays.

Since the SA.313B was not routinely equipped with weapons, this issue has been resolved directly in the places and countries where the vehicle has been used to fulfil combat objectives. The helicopter's armament has been rather exotic at times, such as when rifles and machine guns have been mounted in the apertures of the glass-enclosed front cabin. For the purposes of the game, we have chosen more well-founded projects for arming the SA.313B implemented by French and German crews. Machine gun installations comprised of four 7.62mm MG3 light machine guns placed in pairs on the skids using special fixtures. As an anti-tank weapon, the helicopter could carry SNEB unguided rockets, as well as SS.11 guided anti-tank missiles that were located on special transverse tube-shaped beams along the sides of the fuselage.

''- From [[wt:en/news/5808-development-sa-313b-the-first-skylark-en|Devblog]]''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=sa_313b Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
File:SA 313B WTWallpaper 001.jpg
File:SA 313B WTWallpaper 002.jpg
File:SA 313B WTWallpaper 003.jpg
File:SA 313B WTWallpaper 004.jpg
File:SA 313B WTWallpaper 005.jpg
File:SA 313B WTWallpaper 006.jpg
File:SA 313B WTWallpaper 007.jpg
</gallery>

== See also ==

* '''Helicopters of the same family'''
** [[SA 313B Alouette II]]
* '''Helicopters''' '''of comparable role, configuration and era'''.
* [[Scout AH.Mk.1]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/5808-development-sa-313b-the-first-skylark-en|[Devblog] SA.313B: The First Skylark]]

{{AirManufacturer Aerospatiale}}
{{Germany helicopters}}

Spitfire F Mk XVI

2023-09-17T21:34:26Z

U138562325: /* Pros and cons */

{{About
| about = British fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Spitfire (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=spitfire_xvi
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

The final Merlin-powered variant of the Spitfire, the Spitfire F Mk XVI was a [[Spitfire LF Mk IX]] equipped with the Packard Merlin 266 engine, a Rolls-Royce Merlin 66 licence-built by the American Packard Motor Company. Notably, the model represented in-game features the new "E-type" wings, which allowed either an all-cannon arrangement like the C-type or installation of M2 Browning heavy machine guns. These could also be "clipped", removing the wingtips to improve low-altitude characteristics at the cost of high-altitude manoeuvrability.

In the game since the start of the Open Beta Test, the Spitfire F Mk XVI is a very unique plane with an awkwardly unique role and design. Virtually identical to the [[Spitfire LF Mk IX]], aside from the clipped wings and bubble cockpit, the Mk XVI combines the low-altitude capabilities of the aforementioned fighter with the fantastic roll, dive, and speed capabilities of the German [[Fw 190 (Family)|Focke-Wulfe 190 series]]. The clipped wings give the Mk XVI a great roll rate and amazing dive and level speed and acceleration. However, compared to similar Merlin Spitfires, the turn rate is far worse, higher-altitude performance is abysmal, and climb performance is worse, though marginally. In terms of armament, the two M2 Brownings also provide a significant increase in firepower compared to the previous quad .303 Browning setup.

== 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 6,098 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
| 624 || 605 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 21.0 || 21.8 || 17.5 || 17.5 || rowspan="2" | 390
|-
! Upgraded
| 683 || 651 || 18.7 || 19.8 || 29.2 || 22.3
|-
|}

==== 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 || ✓ || 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 || N/A || 260 || ~9 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 321 || < 400 || < 350 || > 500
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 3,400 m || 1,380 hp || 1,766 hp
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 7,200 m || 1,190 hp || 1,523 hp
|-
|}

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


* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Armoured windscreen
* 4 mm Steel plate in pilot's seat
* 3-7 mm Steel plate behind the pilot
* 6 mm Steel plate in front of liquid cooling system
* 1 mm Steel plate in front of fuel tanks
* 3 mm Steel boxes around wing ammunition

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

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

{{main|Hispano Mk.II (20 mm)|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)}}

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

* 2 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons, wing-mounted (135 rpg = 270 total)
* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (260 rpg = 520 total)

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

{{main|G.P. Mk.IV (250 lb)}}

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

* Without load
* 2 x 250 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (500 lb total)

== Usage in battles ==

[[File:Spitfire F Mk XVI tailing.jpg|thumb|400px|A concerned [[Fw 190 (Family)|Fw 190]] pilot watching the {{PAGENAME}} tailing him.]]

The Spitfire F Mk XVI is quite unique with its clipped wings. These give this version of the Spitfire a distinct advantage in roll rate, dive performance, and level top speed. However, they reduce the plane's ability to turn, and unlike other Merlin Spitfires this one is only average in its turning ability. Thankfully, it retains a good climb rate, even if it is not as high as that of the unclipped Spitfire variants. In addition, the clipped wings reduce lift at high altitudes, so performance is best when closer to sea level.

Thanks to a great roll rate, this Spitfire is very capable in defensive manoeuvres, and although turn rate is decreased, the boost in roll speed make this a great dogfighter as well.

This vehicle maximizes its performance at low altitudes. Below 1500 m, it has an incredible climb rate, very good top speed and acceleration, great dive performance, and generally outmatches its opponents. Still, there are some American and German planes that can outspeed and outdive this plane (especially since it locks up and may rip at high speeds), and the unclipped Merlin Spitfires outclimb this one.

This plane is equipped with 2 x 20 mm cannons and 2 x 12.7 mm machine guns. These are effective against fighters but may struggle against large planes such as heavy bombers. They can't destroy well-armoured ground targets, but can destroy lightly armoured ground targets and open-topped vehicles. Since all of these guns are wing-mounted, convergence should be kept in mind. A good convergence setting is usually between 300 and 500 m. Since cannon ammunition is somewhat limited, firing the 12.7 mm machine guns alone can be a good way to visualize the lead required to shoot enemies at longer ranges.

The Spitfire can also mount 2 x 250 lb bombs for destroying ground targets. These are quite small and must be aimed precisely to destroy the target. While this plane can be used in Ground Realistic battles, the fact that it can only carry 2 small bombs reduces its anti-ground capabilities. Instead, this plane can work as an air-superiority fighter in mixed battles.

The Spitfire F Mk XVI can rightly be considered a jack of all trades. It has some limited ground-attack capacity, decent guns, and flight characteristics that don't stand out in any one aspect. With a great roll rate; good dive and climb performance; and good energy retention, speed, and acceleration; this vehicle is a great low-altitude fighter as long as its weaknesses are understood.

=== 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
|-
| Controllable || Controllable Auto control available || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Controllable Auto control available || Combined || Controllable 2 gears || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good climb rate, albeit lower than non-clipped wing variants
* Great roll rate
* Great dive acceleration
* Better dive speed than other Merlin Spitfires
* Better turning ability that most of its German and American counterparts
* New M2 HMGs are far more effective than the Browning .303s
* Good 20 mm cannons
* Ability to mount bombs for a ground attack option
* Slightly better simulator visibility due to its bubble cockpit
* Stock parts are not as bad as some other rank IV or V planes, such as the P-51D-5, Ki-84 and Late Bf 109s

'''Cons:'''

* Worse turning ability than all other Merlin Spitfires
* Worse dive speed than its German and American counterparts
* Poor performance at high altitude
* Relatively low rip speed (650 km/h)
* Low wing lift efficiency when at high altitudes or speeds under 320 km/h (200 mph)
* Goes through fuel very quickly on WEP for a prop plane, you might have to return for fuel with sustained WEP usage.

== History ==


{{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'}}|expand=true}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
The Supermarine Spitfire was a British single-engine, all-metal, low-wing monoplane fighter. Various modifications served as fighters, interceptors, high-altitude fighters, fighter-bombers and reconnaissance aircraft.

The Mk XVI variant was very similar to the Mk IX; however, it was powered by a US-manufactured Packard Merlin 266 engine. A total of 1,054 Spitfires of this variant were produced. All production variants had the distinguishing feature of low-altitude clipped wings and a cut down rear fuselage and bubble canopy for increased visibility. The clipped wings increased the roll rate and top speed due to a reduction in drag, but sacrificed some of the fighter's climb rate. This, coupled with an engine optimised for efficiency in denser air made the Mk XVI ideally suited to combat at lower altitudes.
{{Navigation-End}}

== Media ==


;Skins

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

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|MNacjyimuCQ|'''The Shooting Range #95''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:57 discusses the Spitfire F Mk XVI.}}

== 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/341986-supermarine-spitfire-lfmkxvie/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer Supermarine}}
{{Britain fighters}}

Bf 109 K-4

2023-08-20T00:39:06Z

U138562325: /* 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 inexperienced 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}}

Zhukovsky's I-153-M62

2023-04-13T04:08:26Z

U138562325: /* Pros and cons */

{{About
| about = Soviet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = I-15 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=i-153_m62_zhukovskiy
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|cockpit=cockpit_i-153_m62_zhukovskiy.jpg
|store=8167
}}

== Description ==

'''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet biplane fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.31]].

The plane is painted after the camouflage scheme of Soviet pilot Sergey Y. Zhukovsky in the 127th Fighter Aviation Regiment of the Soviet Air Forces.

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


The I-153-M62 handles like a dream, outperforming most fighters at its BR. It accelerates fast and has a good max speed. The Chaika possesses a good turn radius, good climb rate and good acceleration at low altitudes. To fly this plane, you should climb to medium altitudes after taking off (2,000 - 3,000 m) then accelerate to prepare for hot pursuit against enemy fighters and bombers. The plane's massive flaws are its low top speed for its BR and weak airframe.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 4,850 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
| 421 || 409 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 14.1 || 14.4 || 11.3 || 11.3 || rowspan="2" | 274
|-
! Upgraded
| 466 || 444 || 13.0 || 13.3 || 20.1 || 15.2
|-
|}

==== 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 || 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}} || N/A || N/A || N/A || ~12 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 180 || < 240 || < 380 || > 250
|-
|}

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


* 8 mm Steel plate behind the pilot.
* No armour glazing, open cockpit
* Critical components located at front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)

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

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

{{main|ShKAS (7.62 mm)}}

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

* 4 x 7.62 mm ShKAS machine gun, nose mounted (750 + 520 + 500 + 700 (clockwise from top-right) = 2,470 total)

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

{{main|FAB-50sv (50 kg)|RS-82|RBS-82}}

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

* Without load
* 4 x 50 kg FAB-50sv bombs (200 kg total)
* 8 x RS-82 rockets
* 8 x RBS-82 rockets

== Usage in battles ==

As described earlier, climbing at an aggressive rate during the beginning of the game is extremely beneficial. Once at bomber altitude, building up speed is a must as the biplane bleeds speed in high altitude turns. However, once this is achieved, the plane has free reign overruling the sky. Play mainly as an interceptor and air-defence fighter and watch as the enemy plummets towards the ground.

Anything with .50 cals will usually knock your engine out almost immediately. Also, tracer belts easily light this on fire, and the burning is usually fatal. As a result, turn-fighting to keep yourself out of enemy guns is advisable.

Many aircraft will attempt to Boom & Zoom you if you remain at low altitudes. Should this happen, engage as though you were going to head-on and break off at the last moment. By swinging around, you'll be able to catch them as they pull up and destroy them.

'''Realistic Battles:''' Start out by climbing to ~2,000 m and then gaining airspeed. You then react to the most immanent/dangerous threats, either diving on lower flying planes or attackers, or going a bit higher up to get a bomber kill, or in general, luring people into turnfights.

'''Mixed Battles/CAS:''' Surprisingly, this small biplane is quite deadly as a CAS aircraft. It can carry 4 x 50 kg bombs, which can still be relatively effective at the battle rating, or the lethal RBS-82 rockets, 4 on each wing. These effectively function as APHE, as they deal little to no damage if a direct hit does not occur. If it does, however, it will instantly destroy the tank with a single hit. Therefore, if you are comfortable with your aim, you can destroy up to 4 targets per sortie, and a few more with some strafing. Due to its low stall speed and incredible manoeuvrability, the I-153 can easily be pulled out of a dive at very low altitude. SPAA are a considerable threat however, as the Chaika isn't exactly a hard target to hit if the pilot is unaware of their surroundings. The biggest threats are the [[M16 MGMC]] and [[Flakpanzer 38]] due to their high rate of fire. The [[P.7.T AA]] is also a rare, yet deadly occurrence.

'''Simulator:'''

The I-153 can be used in turnfighting, bomber intercepting and ground pounding. Like in AB and RB, it is excellent in turning tightly and continuously, and it has lovely low-speed handling and low stall speeds (unlike its successor I-16), making it a great starter plane for sim. However it does have its drawbacks: the rather big nose blocks the visibility a lot, offering very poor over-the-nose visibility which is a disadvantage in a turn fight, because when leading a shot the enemy will always get obstructed by the engine, making the player guess the shot. Also its upper wings will get in the way when you look aside.

Note: it is recommended to set the convergence within 300 m, with vertical convergence on, because the majority of turnfights happen at that range or closer.

Before engaging a fight, it is better to have an altitude advantage first. When approaching the fight try to figure out which is your teammate and which is the enemy, to avoid going for a second pass, as the energy retention of the I-153 is rather slow. Also pick your target carefully. For easier aiming, you want to go for those unmanoeuvrable twin engine aircraft like [[Ju 88 (Family)|Ju 88]] or [[Ki-45 (Family)|Ki-45]], or bombers if there are any. Given the bad forward visibility of the I-153, these are the best options as they are quite slow and sluggish, and are a bigger target to hit. However getting hits on them doesn't mean good damage, so you must be patient. When dealing with fighters, it is way harder to aim. The elevator control of the I-153 is extremely sensitive, giving it good manoeuvrability, but at the same time, bad handling. The I-153 will respond in a very fast turn upon moving your stick / mouse by a little bit, which makes tracking nimble planes quite hard. But once you get used to it, try to lure every enemy into a turnfight, as that is where the I-153 shines. Quite a bit of bullets are required to effectively damage the enemy so you must be patient. If you find an enemy at your 6, utilise your great roll rate to do defensive manoeuvres like scissors to make them overshoot. Or you can simply do tight turns, most monoplanes won't be able to cut inside your turn and they might disengage.

If you are not very experienced in sim, you can also go for even bigger targets (bombers) for easier aiming. However you want to be more careful when hunting bombers, since with the Sim control (whether it be mouse joystick or a real stick) the plane will manoeuvre much more gently, making itself a great target for the bomber's gunners. DO NOT follow behind a bomber's 6 unless you are sure that its tail gunners are unconscious. Chasing behind a bomber makes yourself stationary for the tail gunners, and you will be showered with bullets. Your big radial engine will usually get damaged. Instead, before attacking, get an altitude advantage over the bomber by flying around 2 km above it. The bomber should only fill up about 1/6 of your gunsight. The best position for an attack is at the bomber's high 6 so you can adjust the lead much easier. Dive at the bomber, but not directly at it, try to predict where you two will crash by imagining yourself as a missile, that's where you should aim at (deflection shooting). To maximise the damage it is better to aim for their wings and engines, as the fuselage usually soaks up quite some bullets. Only fire when the bomber passes in front of your guns. This short window might seem inadequate to do anything, but with a accurate burst on the engine the 4 MG can at least damage it. With an engine damaged most bombers cannot go far.

Ground pounding ability is average as there is only light bombs and rockets. The 8 rockets, with accurate aiming, can destroy 4 targets, whether them be tanks or pillboxes. The small 50 kg bombs can be used on light pillboxes. Once the suspended armaments are gone, the 4 MG are good for killing soft targets like trucks, artillery and AA cars.

'''Enemies worth noting:'''

[[Ki-27 otsu|Ki-27]], [[N1K1]], [[He 51 (Family)|He 51]], [[Gladiator (Family)|Gladiator]], etc. - Those commonly seen planes are equally good at turnfights and will be a hard target to down since they are very small and agile. To deal with them you need to practice leading and deflection shots, plus manoeuvres like barrel rolls and scissors. They still need plenty of bullets to get damaged, so these kind of targets are the hardest to kill and requires great skills from the player.

[[Do 17 Z-2]] - This early twin engine plane always shows up as an AI controlled recon aircraft that you have to down, which is a good news as AI won't manoeuvre aggressively. However this plane is extremely durable for the I-153's weak MGs. When it shows up as an AI, deflection shots are not recommended as the small shooting windows really does nothing. Instead, try disabling its 2 gunners first, then just sit behind it and burst on its wings and engines. When attacking the gunners try to not get your engine damaged by pulling evasive manoeuvres as soon as the bullets come close, since the Do 17 can outrun the I-153 in a level flight.

[[He 111 H-6]] - This bomber is not only quite durable, but also pretty fast. In level flight it can outrun the I-153 rather easily. Avoid being on its 6 as it will have at least 2 x 7.92 mm MG facing its tail, and their rapid rate of fire and good penetration is a big threat. Either go for a head-on or use deflection shooting and aim for its engines. If you cannot keep up with it, disengage. If it flies way higher than you, change your target.

[[Sunderland Mk IIIa]] - This flying boat is like a low-tier [[Be-6]]. Its huge fuselage is very spacious and can absorb lots of bullets and shells. It also has lethal defensive firepower: two 7.7 mm in the nose, four forward-facing, two on the top and four at the tail, so attacking from behind, in front or above aren't the best options. Dive under it and suddenly pull up to shoot its defenceless underpart. Aim at the large wings and engines, avoid shooting the fuselage.

[[He 100 D-1|He 100]], [[Bf 109 E-1|Bf 109 E]] / F, [[A6M2]] - These planes might not be able to out-turn the I-153, but they can easily outrun it as the I-153 is slower. These fighters will usually BnZ you, so you must constantly look above and behind you. If they are diving on you, do what you do in realistic: use your roll rate and dodge under their negative G areas. Most players will try to follow up, if not immediately losing track of you. Several dodges might make them impatient and if they really start to turn with you, they are already dead.

=== 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
|-
| Controllable || Controllable Not auto controlled || Controllable Not auto controlled || Controllable Not auto controlled || Separate || Controllable 2 gears || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Excellent flight performance
** Incredible turn radius
** Great climb rate
** Incredibly responsive controls, roll rate is very good
* Fast for a biplane
* Great offensive capabilities
** 4 x rapid-firing ShKAS machine guns with large ammo reserves and deadly incendiary tracer belts
** Can carry rockets to deal with ground targets

'''Cons:'''

* Low top speed
* Little protection, especially from the front
** A single machine gun round to the engine is capable of knocking it out
* ShKAS machine guns prone to overheating

== History ==


{{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'}}|expand=true}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
The Polikarpov I-153 "Chaika" ("Seagull") was an advanced version of the I-15 fighter developed in 1932 (thus its designation, meaning "I-15 Third Model"). The first aircraft of this type took off in August 1938, but it was only a year later that it was launched into full-scale production.

The prototype served as "Black 69" with the 127th Fighter Aviation Regiment of the Western Military District. This aircraft was piloted by Sergey Yakovlevich Zhukovsky, a Soviet ace who scored 13 planes destroyed and 15 shared destroyed.

By the start of the war, Zhukovsky was a Junior Lieutenant and a Flight Commander with the 127th Fighter Aviation Regiment at Grodno. On June 22, 1941, he took part in nine air duels and shot down five enemy aircraft (three of them while piloting "Black 69"), and on June 29, he scored three more victories. He flew a total of over 500 sorties during the years of the war.

Sergey Yakovlevich Zhukovsky was awarded with the Order of Lenin, six Orders of the Red Banner of Labour, the Order of Alexander Nevsky, the Order of the Patriotic War 1st Class, two Orders of the Red Star, and sixteen medals. He retired from the Soviet Air Force as a Colonel General of Aviation.
{{Navigation-End}}

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=i-153_m62_zhukovskiy Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|7d-Kop_sGt8|'''The Shooting Range #162''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:44 discusses the I-153.}}

== See also ==


;[[I-15 (Family)|Related development]]

* [[I-153 M-62]]
* [[I-153 M-62 (China)]]
* [[I-153P]]

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

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

{{AirManufacturer Polikarpov}}
{{USSR fighters}}
{{USSR premium aircraft}}