War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

VL Pyörremyrsky

2023-11-15T02:46:32Z

U91835668: /* Pros and cons */ minor corrections. The plane is faster than any Spitfire below 5.0.

{{Specs-Card
|code=pyorremyrsky
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|cockpit=cockpit_pyorremyrsky.jpg
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} Swedish fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.93 "Shark Attack"]] as a [[wt:en/news/6450-development-pyörremyrsky-the-nordic-whirlwind-en|premium pack]], but was removed from the Gaijin store after the [[wt:en/news/7674-shop-may-sale-en|2022 May sale]]. It was re-introduced as a regular in-game premium for {{GE}} in [[Update "Fire and Ice"]].

Though the Pyörremyrsky shares some design traits with the [[Bf 109 (Family)|Bf 109 series]] of German fighters, it is in fact a completely domestic Finnish design and has significantly different flight characteristics.

From 1942, the superiority of the Red Army Air Force over the Finnish was becoming increasingly obvious. While 160 modern Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-2, G-6 and other versions were transferred to the Finnish Air Force by Germany between 1942 to 1944, the situation began to deteriorate among the Axis countries, and due to the increasing successes (especially from the second half of 1943) of the countries of the Allies, it became obvious that further deliveries of new Bf 109s as well as spare parts for them would become more and more problematic.

In this situation, the command of the Finnish Air Force ordered LV to develop a fighter that was to be made of domestic materials (mainly wood and steel) and which was to have characteristics comparable to the Bf 109 G-6. Engineers T. R. Verkola, Arvo Ilinen, and Edward Vigelius proposed an aerodynamically clean low-wing aircraft equipped with a German twelve-cylinder double-row inverted gear motor Daimler-Benz DB 605AC, developing 1,475 hp (1,085 kW) and rotating the German three-bladed VDM propeller. In the project, the fairing of the propeller sleeve and the engine hood were borrowed from the German fighter, which made the new Finnish aircraft, designated Pyörremyrsky (hurricane), very similar in front to the Bf 109 G.

== 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 5,000 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
| 596 || 580 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 19.0 || 19.6 || 14.3 || 14.3 || rowspan="2" | 390
|-
! Upgraded
| 647 || 620 || 17.1 || 18.0 || 23.9 || 18.5
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 437 || 408 || 260 || ~14 || ~7
|-
|}

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

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


This aircraft, having only one spar in each wing along with its water coolant system, is not a hugely durable aircraft - though it's not fragile either. The combined 20 mm of spaced armour behind the pilot is fairly effective for protection but a lack of any frontal armour makes the Pyörremyrsky very vulnerable in head-ons or in bomber hunting.

* 10 mm Steel - Pilot's seat
* 10 mm Steel - Behind pilot
* Self-sealing fuel tank (1 behind pilot)

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

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

{{main|MG 151 (20 mm)|LKk/42 (12.7 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 20 mm MG 151 cannon, nose-mounted (150 rpg)
* 2 x 12.7 mm LKk/42 machine guns, nose-mounted (300 rpg = 600 total)

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

{{main|Model 1938 (50 kg)|Model 1938 (100 kg)}}

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

* Without load
* 4 x 50 kg Model 1938 bombs (200 kg total)
* 4 x 100 kg Model 1938 bombs (400 kg total)

== Usage in battles ==
This 1945 aircraft is not a great fighter to low-level pursuits where really great top speed is crucial. But instead, use this plane for medium-altitude engagements. Where an altitude advantage allows the Pyörremyrsky to increase the speed and surprise its enemies with a proper turn rate. This aircraft excels in both boom 'n' zoom but is also an excellent dogfighter, sporting fantastic low speed handling characteristics (especially with combat and takeoff flaps), a steady gun platform and, as previously mentioned, a fairly tight turning circle.

The Pyörremyrsky climbs very well and maintains adequate speed up to approximately 5,000 m, this is more than enough speed to initiate combat actions, albeit Finnish pilots can continue the climb to allow themselves more combat choices. Oppositely, they can remain below the 5,000 m and work together with their Swedish brothers to down all the enemy team; the Pyörremyrsky often acting as the decoy. The engine power is favourable, and under WEP produces over 1,400HP which the Pyörremyrsky can maintain almost indefinitely with proper radiator and oil radiator management.

The intercepting role varies somewhat nonetheless. Pyörremyrsky does not offer great frontal protection, so engaging bombers with good turret protection is not the best idea. Specially bombers like the mighty Soviet [[Pe-8]] or the German [[He 219 A-7]] which are loaded with high-calibre weapons able to harm your pilot with a direct shot or break the light Pyörremyrsky apart. The rather reserved ammo count also limits the input damage against bombers. Because of that same reason, head-on attacks are ill-advised, only should be attempted versus planes with a good turn rate and light airframe. Usually the Japanese [[A6M3|Zeros]], The British [[Spitfire (Family)|Spitfires]] or the Italian [[C.205 (Family)|C.205s]]. Though, there are exceptions where the player must know how to engage a specific enemy. When to dive away or when to engage in a turning duel.

=== Ground Battles ===
The Pyörremyrsky is not the fastest plane in here. Therefore players need to consider 2 main roles if they seek good rewards in the Pyörremyrsky flying over the tank's battlefield.

'''Air Superiority role'''

In this role the Pyörremyrsky will take no bombs and instead climb over the battlefield, diving down and taking attacks of opportunity against enemy aircraft. The aircraft excels in this role as it preserves energy well and even if lured into a low level dogfight, will still be in home turf if in the hands of a skilled pilot.

Generally, the target planes are attackers with low top speed or fighters with bombs, so the Pyörremyrsky should have no trouble downing them with a surprise advantage.

'''Close air support'''

Here the Pyörremyrsky performs as a light strike fighter armed with the 4 x 100 kg bombs. This bomb load for a single engined fighter is very good and lends the Pyörremyrsky a fantastic multi-role capability. The bombs can inflict some serious damage and then the aircraft can serve to preserve air superiority over the battle.

Crew exposed vehicles or light tanks can also be destroyed with the heavy machine guns or cannons, both of which have good AP belts and can inflict some damage to armoured vehicles from a top-down approach.

=== 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:'''

* Good armament, MG 151/20 and two 12.7 mm LKk/42 both nose mounted
* The LKk/42 MGs can load entirely AP ammunition that can penetrate 26 mm of armour
* Good turn rate, can outturn some Merlin Spitfires in sustained turnfight
* Decent flaps allow for decreased turn radius
* Fantastic engine characteristics (overheating can be negated entirely)
* Very steady and reliable gun platform

'''Cons:'''

* Not hugely fast, Bf 109 series starting F-4 outrun it
* No frontal armour protection
* Not best suited to bomber hunting

== History ==


Pyörremyrsky, meaning hurricane, tornado or whirlwind in Finnish (pyörre > vortex/whirl, myrsky > storm), was the name of a Finnish fighter design at the end of WWII. Designed by Torsti Rafael Verkkola (1909-1977), the chief designer of Valtion lentokonetehdas (VL or "State Aircraft Factory") and the designer of the previous Myrsky fighter and the Pyry trainer, the Pyörremyrsky was conceived as a domestic equivalent to the Messerschmitt Bf 109G.

=== Design ===
Conceptually, the Pyörremyrsky was very similar to the Bf 109G: it was powered by the same Daimler Benz DB605 engine and had a similar armament, consisting of one hub-mounted 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon and two 12.7 mm hood-mounted machine guns. However, the design was optimized for domestic production, making maximum use of wooden sub-assemblies, and crucially, unlike the Bf 109, it used a wing-mounted landing gear with a wide ground track, giving the design better handling on the ground.

=== Testing ===
Design and construction of the Pyörremyrsky met significant delays, and while the original tender called for a prototype to be ready in May 1944, it wasn't until 21 November 1945 that the prototype was ready and made its first flight.

The prototype was designated PM-1. PM being its intended type designation and 1 being its airframe number. The designation PM is an abbreviation of '''P'''yörre'''m'''yrsky.

Flight trials of the Pyörremyrsky revealed some minor issues, but other than that, the design was very promising. Performance of the Pyörremyrsky was very similar to that of the Bf 109G, but it had a superior climbing speed and proved to be very agile. One major worry, however, was the quality of the glue used to bind the wooden components.

=== Fate ===
The end of the War saw Finland's military subjected to severe restrictions under the Moscow Armistice, which also called for a reduction of its forces. This limited the air force to only 60 fighter aircraft. As a result, the Pyörremyrsky became surplus before it even reached production as Finland chose to retain the Messerschmitt Bf 109 G as its primary fighter for economical reasons. The last of the Finnish Bf 109 Gs bowed out of service on March 13th 1954. The sole completed prototype of the Pyörremyrsky was put into storage after its last flight on July 22nd 1947, and stricken from the Finnish Air Force's inventory on April 1st 1953. Fortunately the prototype was preserved: it is now displayed at the Aviation Museum of Central Finland in Tikkakoski.

=== Legacy ===
Fortunately the Pyörremyrsky legacy continued even after the prototype was grounded. In 1948, construction started on a replacement of the VL Pyry trainer. The new design reused the wing design of the Pyörremyrsky in combination with a new fuselage. This aircraft, which was constructed by the successor of VL, Valmet, was named Vihuri (Gale) and first flew on February 6th 1951. The Vihuri prototype was designated VH-1, VH being an abbreviation of '''V'''i'''h'''uri.

After successful tests the Finnish air force ordered 30 aircraft on 27 February 1951. These were collectively called Vihuri sarja (series) II and carried the numbers VH-2 to VH-31. Series II were entered service in 1953 and this prompted the Finnish air force to order yet another 20 aircraft by autumn 1954. These aircraft were collectively called Vihuri series III and carried the numbers VH-32 to VH-51. All of series III were handed over to the Finnish air force on 15 January 1957.

Unlike the Pyörremyrsky the Vihuri was entirely constructed from metal. As a trainer it was a sound design, however it suffered badly in the engine department. The Vihuri design used old Tampere (Bristol) Mercury engines which had been recuperated from scrapped Bristol Blenheim bombers. These engines were already worn out by the time they were installed on the trainers which lead to a lot of breakdowns. After a string of fatal accidents the design was placed under severe suspicion and in March of 1957 all the Vihuri's were grounded after an accident was caused by structural failure. A subsequent inquest showed this particular accident as well as most of the previous ones were caused by pilots violating the flight safety regulations, taking the aircraft beyond its structural limitations. The Vihuri was returned to service in May of 1957, but following two further fatal accidents in 1959 the type was permanently grounded and stricken from the Finnish Air Force's inventory, with 31 out of 32 surviving airframes being sold for scrap; ironically it was outlasted in service by the Pyry (withdrawing in 1962), the design it was supposed to replace as a trainer. The sole surviving complete Vihuri is now displayed next to the sole surviving Pyörremyrsky at the Tikkakoski air force museum.

== Media ==


;Skins

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

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

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|u_HsKH1DYlc|'''Premium Vehicles: VL Pyörremyrsky''' - ''War Thunder Wiki''|ZPGPaceu1oI|'''Pyörremyrsky "One Hard Hitting Finn!"''' - ''Bo Time Gaming''|AKxlwtWIlSI|'''The Shooting Range #173''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 03:47 discusses the Pyörremyrsky.
}}

== See also ==


;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Yakovlev [[Yak-9 (Family)|Yak-9]]
* Macchi [[C.205 (Family)|C.205]]
* Fiat [[G.55 (Family)|G.55]]
* Reggiane [[Re.2005 serie 0|Re.2005]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6448-development-py%C3%B6rremyrsky-the-nordic-whirlwind-en|[Development] Pyörremyrsky: The Nordic Whirlwind]]
* [[wikipedia:VL_Pyörremyrsky|[Wikipedia] VL Pyörremyrsky]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/474725-pyorremyrsky/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer VL}}
{{Sweden fighters}}
{{Sweden premium aircraft}}

Bf 109 F-4

2023-02-06T04:13:51Z

U91835668: /* Pros and cons */ Elaboration of Bf 109 F-4's maneuverability.

{{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}}

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 manoeuvrability when damaged. Its self-sealing fuel tanks 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 flaps give the F-4 an exceptionally tight turning radius. Combat flaps can be deployed at speeds up to 437 km/h, while takeoff and landing flaps up to 408 and 260 respectively. With flaps deployed, the Bf 109 F-4 has tighter turn radius than almost any fighter it can face bar Spitfires and Zeroes (it can even keep up with a Yak-3 provided the fight is a contest of radius and not rate), and thus excels at scissoring fights. Be advised though, the flaps react extremely slowly to commands and if you accelerate rapidly, you may lose them; and the maneuverability of the Bf 109 F-4 without flaps is unimpressive. 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.

It is important to note the distinction between a rate fight and a radius fight. The flaps of the Bf 109 F-4 produce a significant amount of drag, reducing the sustained rate of turn while tightening the turn radius.

'''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
* Flaps tighten turn radius significantly, can win duels against most planes that aren't a Spitfire or Zero

'''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
* Flaps react slowly, require practice to use

== 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.

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

The Bf 109 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.
{{Navigation-End}}

== 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}}