War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

Spitfire Mk Vb/trop

2022-02-13T05:47:19Z

U90846855: /* Usage in battles */

{{About
| about = British fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| other
| usage-1 = the non-tropical version
| link-1 = Spitfire Mk Vb
| usage-2 = other versions
| link-2 = Spitfire (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=spitfire_mk5b
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_Spitfire_Mk_Vb_trop.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

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

Having picked up experience from the previous Mk Ia, IIa and IIb, most players will welcome the Spitfire Mk Vb. The Vb sports a new and more powerful Merlin-45 inline compared to the previous Merlin-XII engine giving it an extra 100 horsepower when upgraded, which provides better high altitude performance and faster top speed than the IIb. Unfortunately, the Vb still has similar problems as experienced with the early Spitfires such as a very weak airframe, weak wings, bad roll rate at high speeds and lack of combat flaps to help with dog-fighting. Experienced Spitfire Mk Vb pilots use close convergence ranges. Generally, the best convergence range for a Spitfire is 300 metres, with 20 minutes of fuel. Once you arrive on the battlefield you should generally have between 12-15 minutes of fuel. The Spitfire manoeuvres best with this load of fuel. The Spitfire fights best at close-range. The basic strategy that many Spitfire pilots use is a tactic whereby they bait head-ons from enemy aircraft, before evading and turning around to put shots into the target at close range while the enemy is pulling out. When the Spitfire has the initiative in the engagement and has successfully manoeuvred onto a six-o-clock aspect, it is nearly impossible for the opponent to regain the advantage. Using clever management of the throttle and manoeuvres to gain or bleed energy, an experienced pilot can maintain the initiative in the engagement and stay on an opponent's six o'clock.

== 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 4,878 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
| 545 || 526 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 17.4 || 18.0 || 13.5 || 13.5 || rowspan="2" | 340
|-
! Upgraded
| 605 || 573 || 15.9 || 16.5 || 23.9 || 17.8
|-
|}

==== 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 || ✓ || 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 || 230 || ~10 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 321 || < 400 || < 350 || > 450
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 4,900 m || 1,190 hp || 1,583 hp
|-
|}

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


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

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

All Spitfires have similar research paths, where the first upgrade that should be researched is "Radiator" or cannon belts, and then "New 20 mm cannons" or "Airframe". The Spitfire Vb does not need the "Radiator" upgrade due to the good thermodynamics of the new engine, so pilots should research the "Offensive 20 mm" belts first, and then "New 20 mm cannons". Pilots should leave Mk.II mod 1942 & 1943 until last, and instead prioritise performance first. Research "Airframe" to make the plane a bit lighter so it turns faster, and then research "Engine", "Wings repair" and finally "Engine injection". Once you have received "Engine injection", go back and research "Radiator", and then finally research "Cover", then 1942 cannons, then "Fuselage repair" and finally 1943 cannons.

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

{{main|Hispano Mk.II (20 mm)|Browning (7.7 mm)}}

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

* 2 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons, wing-mounted (60 rpg = 120 total)
* 4 x 7.7 mm Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (350 rpg = 1,400 total)

The 7.7 mm machine guns seem ridiculous to have at this rank. At this BR, you need to keep either one long burst or a series of shorter bursts on a target to cause enough damage for it to fall and hit it many times (50-100 bullets need to hit critical modules such as wing spars) to secure a kill unless you are lucky and manage to set fire to a fuel tank, mangle the engine, or kill the pilot of the enemy. Going by sheer damage and fire chance, the best belt is the Tracer belt. The incendiary tracer and armour-piercing incendiary bullets are able to crit pilots, shatter wing spars and spark fires in fuel tanks with ease. Coincidentally, the belt is also good for "walking" in the 20 mm guns onto the target.

The Hispano Mk.II has the third-most damaging World War II HEFI round in the game, with an explosive power coming in behind the [[MG 151 (20 mm)|MG 151/20]] and the [[AN/M2 (20 mm)|AN/M2]]. The best belt is the stealth belt, as it contains 75% useful rounds (HEF-I, HEF-I, AP) and 25% selective-use rounds (HEF-SAPI). Since the tracer rounds are just ball-point ammunition with a tracer element, and you only have 60 rounds per belt, you should load the stealth belt and aim with the 7.7 mm machine guns in the method described in the [[#Using the guns|"Using The guns" section]].

== Usage in battles ==


The Spitfire Mk Vb/trop fills the role of an angles-fighting aerial superiority fighter in the early British tier III lineup. It cannot fulfil any ground attack duties due to its low cannon ammunition pool and the absence of any heavy machine guns which can penetrate a tank's thin roof armour. In addition, the aircraft cannot carry any bombs or other air to ground ordnance. Like most Spitfires, the Spitfire Mk Vb/trop is meant to be used as a pure aerial superiority fighter, while fighter-bomber duties are relegated to other aircraft, such as the [[Beaufighter (Family)|Beaufighter]] series of aircraft. Further details on the aircraft are as follows:
[[File:Spitfire Mk Vb sun.png|alt=Spitfire Mk Vb/trop turning into the sun over Sicily|thumb|Spitfire Mk Vb/trop turning into the sun over Sicily.]]

'''Performance:'''

The Spitfire Mk Vb/trop is a well-rounded fighter that can turn excellently. When the plane has not been fully upgraded, the Spitfire Mk Vb/trop's Merlin-45 engine has less power than the Merlin-XII engine of the [[Spitfire Mk IIb]]. However, once all engine upgrades have been acquired the Merlin-45 is easily a superior engine with better cooling and power, blessing this variant of the Spitfire with better energy retention and better cooling than the Mk I and II Spitfires. The Spitfire Mk Vb/trop has outstanding energy retention and easily gains speed in a dive and retains it after pulling out into more level flight. In addition, it does not lose speed too quickly in a turn and thanks to outstanding acceleration from the Merlin-45, the aircraft easily accelerates after pulling a high-G turn that initially bled a large amount of speed. However, the newer, more powerful, heavier engine and airframe only has more energy retention capability due to being heavier than the Spitfire Mk IIb. This means that the aircraft cannot turn as tightly or as fast as its predecessor. The extra weight comes from the new cannons, which are slightly longer than the older Hispano Mk.Is, and the extra weight of the more powerful Merlin-45 engine.
[[File:Spitfire Mk Vb-trop Kill-shot.png|left|thumb|356x356px|A Spitfire Mk Vb/trop breaking out of its attack run after a successful kill. Note the large Vokes Sand filter on the bottom of the engine, which is a distinctive feature of this plane.]]
The Spitfire Mk Vb/trop has a quoted rate of climb of 17.8 m/s at around 255 km/h in a moderate climb, however, when factoring in 20 minutes of fuel reduces is capability and it can manage around '''22.7 m/s''' in a climb at '''251 km/h IAS''', or around '''20.6 m/s''' in a climb at '''270 km/h IAS'''. In addition, by alternating between shallow and sharp climbs, one can make the Spitfire climb much faster in the initial stages of the match. Through practising these techniques, it is possible to achieve an end result of an average of around 20-21 metres per second in a single, steady climb to 4,000 metres. The aircraft's nose was kept pointing between 15 - 20 degrees during this climb.

Experienced Spitfire Mk Vb pilots use close convergence ranges. Generally, the best convergence range for a Spitfire is 300 metres, with 20 minutes of fuel. Once you arrive on the battlefield you should generally have between 12-15 minutes of fuel. The Spitfire manoeuvres best with this load of fuel. The Spitfire fights best at close-range. The basic strategy that many Spitfire pilots use is a tactic whereby they bait head-ons from enemy aircraft, before evading, and turning around to put shots into the target at close range while the enemy is pulling out. When the Spitfire has the initiative in the engagement and has successfully manoeuvred onto a six-o-clock aspect, it is nearly impossible to regain the advantage. Using clever management of the throttle and manoeuvres to gain or bleed energy, an experienced pilot can maintain the initiative in the engagement and stay on an opponent's six o'clock.

This Spitfire has a good turn time compared to its opposition and cannot be out-turned by anything save for a Japanese Zero. However, its 16.8 second turn time and slightly wider turn radius are a far cry from the [[Spitfire Mk Ia]]'s outstanding turn radius and turn time. Don't expect to out-turn everything. While you have good energy retention, you have low manoeuvrability below 280 km/h, and the plane has a tendency to lock up above 450 km/h. A prime tactic used by enemy pilots is entering a steep dive, and then cutting speed near the ground, resulting in you ramming into terrain. Don't let that happen. If the target's too slow, then pull out into a quarter-loop, before rolling 180 degrees and inverting. They'll have lost a lot of speed by cutting the throttle and nearly nothing rivals the acceleration of a Spitfire Mk Vb/trop under 4,000 metres save for high-performance Russian aircraft and the Fw-190s.

The Spitfire Mk Vb/trop begins to lose its edge below 280 km/h IAS. It begins to slow down, become sluggish, and starts to show its weaknesses. Although it has good energy retention, it will lose a lot of speed turning above 400 km/h and loses speed slowly but steadily in a turn below that speed. Beginning at 270 km/h IAS, the aircraft begins to lose speed and agility until it becomes heavy and unwieldy beginning at 250 km/h. A favourite tactic of Fw 190 A-1 pilots to use against Spitfire Mk Vb/trops is to keep the Spitfire turning until it loses speed, or to utilize their outstanding agility and acceleration to turn the fight into a vertical manoeuvring fight that moves upwards. They utilize a series of loops & Chandelles to force the Spitfire to lose energy, bait it into a turnfight and then attempt to use their superior acceleration and energy retention to force the Spitfire to lose speed and either crash or become a sitting duck. Spitfire pilots are advised not to engage in an extended turn-fight with an Fw 190 A. Should you be able to gain the initiative on an Fw-190 by diving on him from a higher altitude, then you will have the upper hand and defeat him easily.

'''Using the guns:'''

The Spitfire Mk Vb/trop is armed with two pairs of British .303s with 350 rounds per gun and two Hispano Mk.II cannons with sixty rounds per gun. In continuous firing, assuming that no jams happen at all, the Hispano's ammo will dry up quicker than the 7.7 mm Brownings. However, jams do happen and the Hispanos jam quicker than the Browning.

Use the cannons sparingly. Use the cannons when in the aircraft's most effective convergence range and envelope, and use the machine guns to 'sight' the cannons. Fire the machine guns' tracer belts for maximum AP-I and tracer ammo, using the similar muzzle velocities to get an idea of where the cannon rounds will go, and then fire cannons once you are getting consistent hits. If your cannon ammo drops to 20 rounds or below, try and return to base quickly. That way, if you get bounced on the way back, you can at least have some cannon ammo left to surprise any raider looking to kill you. Generally, the stealth belt works best, as it contains a high percentage of HEF-I rounds (50%), especially seeing as you don't have the ammo capacity to use belts with functionally useless ammunition such as the tracer and ball-point rounds, which do nearly nothing.

Go for deflection shots against enemy aircraft. These shots are side-on shots where you "lead" an enemy aircraft in front of you, and get off a burst when you're not directly behind them, but instead when they're turning. While this may be difficult for newer players, it provides valuable training and is a good learning experience for later tiers. In addition, should you use this technique, you can easily cause enemy planes' wings to completely fall off if you pull it off right and hit a wing spar. [[Bf 109 (Family)|Bf 109]]s, with their single-wing spars, are especially vulnerable to a well-aimed side-on shot.

{{Youtube-gallery|7Gp8Q8MqMQg|An example of an attack made using the machine guns to "aim" the cannons. This attack was done with a [[Spitfire Mk IIb]], but it should be actively used in any Spitfire with .303s coupled with cannons ([[Spitfire (Family)|Spitfires IIb through LF Mk IXc]])}}

=== 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 || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Controllable Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable 1 gear || Not controllable
|-
|}

On takeoff, switch on manual engine control. Set the prop pitch to 100% immediately, and the radiator to 100%. 120% mixture may be used below 1000 m, but above that altitude, use 60-78% mixture for optimal performance. Should you be looking to conserve fuel, a good cruising engine setup is 90% throttle with 40% mixture.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Excellent turn time
* Decent all-round performance
* Powerful cannons
* Extremely manoeuvrable
* Decent ammo count for the .303 Brownings
* Can pull negative G manoeuvres unlike its predecessors

'''Cons:'''

* Low ammo count for the Hispanos
* Requires good skill & knowledge of energy fighting to be used to its full potential
* Still uses a float carburettor and will sometimes suffer engine failures
* .303s have a low damage output
* Poor high altitude performance
* Does not turn as well as A6M2s etc
* Prone to overheating easily while stock
* Very fragile
* Somewhat poor climb rate

== History ==


=== In-game description ===
A single-seat, single-engine all-metal monoplane fighter. After the Mk II and two more experimental variants of the Spitfire, the next major variant to see mass production was the Spitfire Mk V. Central to this new Spitfire was its engine – the 1470 HP Rolls Royce Merlin 45. This was equipped with a single stage supercharger and, coupled with a new carburettor design, allowed the Mk V to perform zero G manoeuvres without starving the fuel flow to the engine; a problem which had plagued earlier models of the Spitfire. The engine change necessitated strengthening the engine housing and installing a more effective oil radiator with a circular rather than U-shaped housing, and fitting two strengthening longerons to the upper surfaces of each wing.

The Mk V initially followed a similar pattern to the Mk I and Mk II in that it was fitted either with the Type A or Type B wing, again carrying eight machine guns or two cannon and four machine guns respectively. Less than 100 of the Mk VA were produced; it would be the Mk VB with its formidable 20mm cannon and four machine guns which would be the major production model, with 3911 VBs manufactured.

Some of the fighters were made for tropical climate conditions: a Vokes filter was installed over the carburettor air intake, under the engine. It was covered by special "lips" which helped prevent excessive dust intake, but at the cost of top speed and rate of climb. This variant was named the Spitfire Mk VB/Trop and was used in the Mediterranean theatre of operations, especially North Africa and Malta.

The first Mk Vs entered combat in February of 1941. The improved power and performance characteristics of the Spitfire Mk V made it a competitive match for the new German Messerschmitt Bf109F, but it was found to be inferior to the new Focke-Wulf FW190. As a result, the Spitfire Mk V was the first variant to experiment with the option of clipped wing tips, which increased the aircraft's roll rate and top speed at low level, but sacrificed its rate of climb.

The Mk V formed the backbone of RAF Fighter Command across several theatres of operations, and was considered by some pilots to be the definitive model of the Spitfire.

=== Notable pilots ===
<div><ul>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:John_Plagis_portrait.jpg|thumb|none|200px|link=User:U64962917#Plagis,_Ioannis_"John"_A.|Top scoring Southern Rhodesian ace pilot [[User:U64962917#Plagis,_Ioannis_"John"_A.|John Plagis]] and highest scoring pilot of Greek origin of WW II. Plagis flew the '''Spitfire Mk Vb/trop''' during the defence of Malta.]] </li>
</ul></div>

== Media ==


;Images
<div><ul>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:FighterImage Spitvbtrop 1.jpg|thumb|none|250px|Dogfight over Malta]] </li>
</ul></div>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|9_txEPailKc|'''The Shooting Range #92''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 03:26 discusses the Spitfire Mk Vb/trop.}}

== 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 ==


* [[wt:en/news/5371-development-spitfire-mk-v-model-update-and-new-modifications-en|[Devblog] Spitfire Mk.V: model update and new modifications]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/287253-supermarine-spitfire-mk-vbtrop/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

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

Bf 109 F-4

2021-12-25T19:16:07Z

U90846855: /* Survivability and armour */

{{About
| about = German fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| other
| usage-1 = the American version
| link-1 = Bf 109 F-4 (USA)
| usage-2 = other versions
| link-2 = Bf 109 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=bf-109f-4
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|cockpit=cockpit_bf-109f-4.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.

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

Arcade Mode: Bf 109 F-4 is one of the best planes of its rank. In the hands of a good pilot and employing energy fighting tactics this aircraft can outfly and outmanoeuvre most of the prop planes it faces even at higher battle ratings during up-tier situations due to its low energy loss in turns, high acceleration, high sustained climb rate and low stall speed. It is slower than the later model 109s but it has a better turn rate. The Bf 109 can fly very well at the deck and at high altitude making it a complete energy fighter.

{| 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
| 641 || 624 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.0 || 20.7 || 16.4 || 16.4 || rowspan="2" | 363
|-
! Upgraded
| 691 || 665 || 18.1 || 19.0 || 24.5 || 20.0
|-
|}

==== 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
|-
| 4,950 m || 1,185 hp || 1,333 hp
|-
|}

====Engine performance====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Engine
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine Name
! colspan="3" | Number present
|-
| colspan="3" | Daimler-Benz DB-601E 12-cylinder || colspan="1" | 1
|-
! colspan="4" | Engine characteristics
|-
! colspan="2" | Weight (each)
! colspan="1" | Type
! colspan="1" | Cooling
|-
| colspan="2" | 610 kg || Inline || Water
|-
! colspan="4" | Engine power (Stock)
|-
! colspan="1" | Mode
! colspan="2" | Max
! colspan="2" | Take-off
|-
| ''Arcade'' || colspan="2" | 1,065 hp || colspan="2" | 1,212 hp
|-
| ''Realistic/Simulator'' || colspan="2" | 1,053 hp || colspan="2" | 1,200 hp
|-
! colspan="4" | Engine power (Upgraded)
|-
! Mode
! colspan="2" | Max
! colspan="2" | Take-off
|-
| ''Arcade'' || colspan="2" | 1,305 hp || colspan="2" | 1,452 hp
|-
| ''Realistic/Simulator'' || colspan="2" | 1,170 hp || colspan="2" | 1,318 hp
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | WEP Duration
|-
! colspan="2" | Arcade
! colspan="2" | Realistic/Simulator
|-
| colspan="2" | 25 seconds || colspan="2" | Infinite
|-
|}

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

The Bf 109 F-4, although a small plane, is a sturdy plane that can survive a lot of damage and retain much of its maneuverability when damaged. One saving grace that it utilizes is self-sealing fuel tanks, which increase the chance to put out a fire.

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

== 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)

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

{{main|SC50JA (50 kg)|SC250JA (250 kg)|MG 151 (15 mm)}}

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 15 mm MG 151 cannons, wing-mounted (gunpods) (125 rpg = 250 total)

== Usage in battles ==

[[File:Cockpits_Bf109F-4.jpg|thumbnail|right|The Bf 109 F-4's instrument panel.]]

'''Arcade Battles:'''

The Bf 109 F-4 performs at its best when used as an energy fighter. Its flight performance is impressive up to 6,000 m then decreases, so at the beginning of the match, you can outclimb most of the other planes at its rank and then energy fight them in the vertical Boom & Zooming from above. Its low stall speed and ability to prop hang even at less than 100 km/h at more than 40 degrees for many seconds makes it an ideal aircraft for spiral turns and snapshots. Bf 109's good turn rate and roll rate allows it to turn fight not only US planes but also Lavochkins and Spitfires which lose their energy at their first turn. If you engage in a dogfight with a superior turn fighter you can still out turn him by creating some separation and using frontal barrel rolls until the other plane turn by turn loses enough energy and finally its turning ability. It is not recommended to turn-fight Japanese planes or Yak fighters; if engaged on a turn-fight go to the vertical and use the spiral climb stall technique. The high acceleration, turn rate, climb rate, excellent stall characteristics, at all altitudes makes it a wonder to fly. All this gets significantly reduced when gondolas are added on. The 20 mm MG 151 cannon when used with Air targets belt that have a significant amount of Minengeschoß filled shells and is devastating which can be used for a precise fake out head-on or precise long-distance shots allowing you to start shooting as far out as 2 km.

'''Arcade with joystick:''' Although the plane still has a yaw wobble, it is low and can be mitigated with Realistic controls. You can set yaw non-linearity to 3.8 adding some dead zone and decreasing multiplier to stiffen and reducing the wobble. The pitch and roll work well and give good controllability.

'''Realistic Battles:'''

A very good energy fighter for its rank, the Bf 109 F-4 can out climb most opponents due to its high power to weight ratio. However, use of WEP must be limited or else the engine will overheat, although [[Guide_to_manual_engine_controls|manual engine control]] can remedy this. Despite that, it can Boom & Zoom and Rope-a-Dope well, although one must watch out for severe control stiffening around 650 km/h.

Unfortunately, the F-4's 15 mm additional gondolas do not increase the damage output much at all, while reducing flight performance. However, it is recommended you at least use it once to see how effective it is because depending on how you play it can really boost your kill abilities. For example, if you prefer to get into a dogfight, the additional weaponry will not be noticeably effective. However, if you fight in the vertical, where level speed and agility are not necessarily most important, the additional MG 151's can mean the difference between a kill or nothing at all.

The Bf 109 F-4 is not a great plane when compared to the other Rank 3 planes, but it is effective nonetheless. Do not try to kill a plane by coming behind it and giving them all you got- you don't have much. Instead, try to scare your prey into a turn by peppering it with your 7.92 mm MG 17s, and then blow its wing off with the cannon.

Word to the wise: the F-4 is a fairly good turner for its class; if you are chased by a [[F4U_(Family)|F4U]], [[P-51_(Family)|P-51]], [[P-47D-25|P-47D]], [[F6F_(Family)|F6F]] or [[Typhoon_(Family)|Typhoon]], turn and destroy. The forward wing slats give the F-4 an exceptionally short turning radius. However, to survive a tangle with a [[Spitfire_(Family)|Spitfire]] is an ordeal. The best strategy would be to scissor until the Spitfire either runs out of ammo or overshoots you and then try to dive and outrun it. Then, repeat. Do not try to out-climb the Spitfire, but try to outrun it in a dive. The [[Spitfire Mk Vc]] is superior to the F-4, so avoid them.

'''Simulator Battles:'''

In Simulator, the Bf 109 F-4 is quite a friendly fighter that can perform many tasks. It offers great flight performance with its smooth handling, adequate speed, and impressive climb rate and turn rate. Its nose-mounted armaments do not require any convergence settings, 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. However, the Friedrich does have rather limited cockpit view obstructed by its numerous canopy frames. Rear view is significantly worse as a solid armour plate headset is added, preventing the pilot from seeing what is behind which can sometimes be fatal. It also behaves poorly during takeoffs due to its torquey engine.

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. Depending on the task you wish to complete (eg destroy enemy attackers), gunpods can be helpful, if available. Although they slightly worsen the flight performance, that extra burst mass can be the difference between a "Hit" and "Aircraft destroyed". Finally, you can set keys for vertical head movement, as lifting up your head a little helps improving the over-the-nose visibility.

Taking off in a Bf 109 F is considerably harder than a lot other aircraft. When taking off, the Bf 109 will shift severely to the left side due to the huge 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 is just lifting off the ground it will start rolling to the left due to the torque, so you must immediately roll a little right to keep it level, or the left wingtip will strike the ground.

Dogfighting in SB involves everyday RB tactics. Utilise common manoeuvres such as Immelmann, Split-S, scissor, barrel roll, etc. The 200-round magazine of the Bf 109 F-4 does allow you to fire slightly longer bursts at slightly longer distances, but getting close until the target fills up the reticule is still a good choice. Note: the Bf 109 handles very sluggishly in 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 109 manoeuvre as you wish. If maximum elevator input is harsh and sudden, the plane will start swaying around and enter a flat spin. The aircraft can quite easily recover from a flat spin by fully deflecting elevators downward and rudder to the opposite side of which the plane is spinning, and wait until it starts a dive and gather some speed to pull up.

If you want to engage heavy aircraft, it is best to bring the 15 mm gun pods to maximise your damage output. However relying solely on the one MG151 cannon might also work, but that requires more professional evading, aiming, and a few more shots. Against well-armed targets (eg. B-25) you should perform deflection shots to minimise the time you are exposed to their gunners, whereas against well-armoured aircraft with average/no defensive firepower (eg. early IL-2), tailing them may get the job done quicker. With the powerful mineshells, 1-3 passes are enough to destroy any aircraft.

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 order, fly at ~200 km/h before touchdown. If the plane bounces up with landing flaps, use takeoff/combat flaps instead to reduce lift. Note that you must align the plane with the airstrip correctly prior to touchdown and do not yaw/break one side too much when breaking, as the main landing gears are so close together that they cannot support such sideways force, causing the plane to wobble 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
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Nimble, compared to Russian and American counterparts
* Its 20 mm is lethal if the shells hit
* Relatively good climb rate, possibly as good as a Spitfire or a maxed-out P-39 Airacobra
* Good sustained turn
* Faster than most opponents, such as the Spitfire Mk V, Yak-3, and La-5, especially at altitude
* Good performance at medium altitudes
* Better than the F-4 tropical variant due to engine power
* The 15 mm cannons have quite high penetration with the armoured targets belt. They are very effective against soft targets
* All weaponry mounted in the nose, allowing easy aiming without having to worry about convergence

'''Cons:'''

* Overheats quickly
* Additional armament can critically reduce performance, especially in a dogfight
* Poor cockpit visibility
* Prone to catching fire when chasing a bomber
* Gun pods can't load stealth belts, thus giving the user away in a surprise attack
* Turns sluggishly at speeds under 190 km/h
* Priority target when in AB mode due to its reputation of destroying planes with relative ease, especially when equipped with MG 151/15 gun pods in addition to the offensive armament of MG 17 machine gun and MG 151/20 cannon, smart players will try to eliminate the Bf 109 F-4 first.
* Gun pods have low ammo count, compared to the 20 mm MG 151 gun pods accessible to the G-2 variant
* For Sim, the numerous canopy frames and razorback greatly limit the all-round view, and huge engine torque causes severe turning when taking off

== History ==


In real life the flight characteristics of this plane were remarkable, the F model is considered the pinnacle of Bf 109 development having the nicest flying characteristics of all versions. It has empty weight of 2,390 kg, and a gross weight of 2,900 kg. Powered by a 1,350 hp the Daimler-Benz DB 601E inverted-vee engine the BF 109 F4 had a power to weight ratio of a giving of 0,46. It reaches a maximum speed of 624 km/h (388 mph) and an impressive rate of climb of 3,000 m (9,845 ft)/2.6 min. It also had a high ceiling of 12,000 m (39,375 ft), but a low range of combat of 850 km (530 mi) with a drop tank limiting its usefulness as a local high altitude interceptor. In real life this plane although impressive had its limitations, it could do well vs any allied fighter below 6,000 m and above 3,000 m. It could out turn a P-51D and out-climb it but it could not out zoom climb, outrun or out dive a P-51D or a P-47D at high altitude. We have to remember that the Franz (F version of 109) appeared because the Spitfire MK.V was performing better than the Emil version the BF 109 E in the cross Channel duels after the Battle of Britain. The F version regained the edge over the Spitfire MK V at high altitudes. The 109 faced in the first year of the Soviet invasion a massive score as they faced outdated soviet aeroplanes like the I-16s but also performed well against the Lagg-3s and Yaks-1. The F model improved in power and speed on the G1 Gustav version with a 1,475 hp DB 605A Engine entering combat on July 1942 but it had not improved handling characteristics over the F model.

=== In-game description ===
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 F variant, or "Friedrich", was a replacement for the Emil. Friedrich reached front-line units in the Autumn of 1941 and, by the middle of the following year, almost two-thirds of Luftwaffe fighter regiments were equipped with the variant.

== Media ==


;Skins

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

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|PJLUJNFD1Nw|'''The Shooting Range #224''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 03:53 discusses allied efforts to capture the {{PAGENAME}}.|7wUT8anIIw0|'''Realistic: {{PAGENAME}} [German Engineering at its Best]"''' - ''Jengar''}}

== See also ==


;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Macchi [[C. 205 serie 3]]
* Fiat [[G.55 sottoserie 0]]
* Kawasaki [[Ki-61-I tei]]
* Kawasaki [[Ki-100]]

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/155545-messerschmitt-bf-109-f-4/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

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