Difference between revisions of "Bf 109 F-4/trop"

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{{Specs-Card|code=bf-109f-4_trop}}
+
{{About
 +
| about = German fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other variants
 +
| link = Bf 109 (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=bf-109f-4_trop
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_Bf_109_F-4trop.jpg|ArtImage Bf 109 F-4-trop.png}}
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''
+
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 +
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.
 +
 
 +
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, WEP must be limited or else the engine would overheat, although 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 at least once to see how effective it is because depending on how you play it can really boost your firepower abilities. The 15 mm cannons are a trade-off for manoeuvrability, but this additional firepower can help rip the wings off anything you face . 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 is not necessarily the most important, the additional MG 151s can mean the difference between downing a plane or nothing at all.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
−
=== Flight Performance ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
−
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
{{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<br>(km/h at 5,800 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
 +
|-
 +
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 +
|-
 +
! Stock
 +
| 634 || 618 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.0 || 20.7 || 16.4 || 16.4 || rowspan="2" | 363
 +
|-
 +
! Upgraded
 +
| 682 || 658 || 18.1 || 19.0 || 24.6 || 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 || 1,175 hp || 1,321 hp
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and 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. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
+
{{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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* 8 mm Steel - Pilot's seat
 +
* 10 mm Steel - Pilot's headrest
 +
* 6 mm Steel - behind the fuel tank
 +
* 60 mm Bulletproof glass
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
 
 +
Energy fighters require acceleration, they live by it. Therefore most of "flight performance" upgrades are advised: Compressor, Engine and Engine injection. Meanwhile, the upgrades for the hub-firing 20 mm MG 151 should not be forgotten, especially the upgraded belts (Air targets).
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
−
''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|MG 151 (20 mm)|MG 17 (7.92 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
 +
* 1 x 20 mm MG 151 cannon, nose-mounted (200 rpg)
 +
* 2 x 7.92 mm MG 17 machine guns, nose-mounted (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
 +
 
 +
The two machine guns are mounted in the upper fuselage just in front of the pilot and fire through the propeller arc. Each are armed with the same amount of ammunition, which means that both guns will fire with each other until empty. The 20 mm cannon is mounted in the propeller shaft and fires through the propeller hub.
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
−
''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|SC50JA (50 kg)|SC250JA (250 kg)|MG 151 (15 mm)|Flam C 250 incendiary}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 +
 
 +
* Without load
 +
* 4 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (200 kg total)
 +
* 1 x 250 kg SC250JA bomb (250 kg total)
 +
* 2 x 15 mm MG 151 cannons, wing-mounted (125 rpg = 250 total)
 +
* 1 x Flam C 250 incendiary bomb
 +
 
 +
== 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).'' -->
 +
The tropical version is much like the [[Bf 109 F-4|standard F-4]] variant. New features are engine intake dust filter, a socket for sun-umbrellas and several other accommodations versus particulate matter. While these modifications allowed for prolonged service life in harsh environments like the Russian veld and Libya's desert, it also (marginally) costs top speed and engine performance due to increased air resistance and power diversion for the filtered aspirator, although these are hardly noticeable in combat.
 +
 
 +
The Bf 109 F-4 is not a great plane when you compare it to the other rank III planes, but it is effective nonetheless. Do not try to down a plane by coming behind it and giving them all you got, instead, try to scare your prey into a turn by peppering it with your 7.92 mm MG 17's, and then blow its wing off with the cannon. The cannon, unfortunately, fires relatively fast and runs out of ammo pretty quickly, so hitting a plane from the tail-end is hard to achieve.
  
−
=== Defensive armament ===
+
Word to the wise: the F-4 is a fairly good turner for its class; if you are chased by an [[F4U (Family)|F4U]], [[P-51 (Family)|P-51]], [[P-47 (Family)|P-47D]], or [[Typhoon Mk Ib/L|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 the Spitfire. Then, repeat. Do not try to out-climb the Spitfire (community nickname is a ''Spacefire'' for a reason), but try to outrun it in a dive. The [[Spitfire Mk Vc]] is superior to the F-4, avoid it.
−
''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available remove this subsection.''
 
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
=== Manual Engine Control ===
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but 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).''
+
{| 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<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Separate || Not controllable<br>1 gear || Not controllable
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''
+
<!-- ''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:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Nimble aircraft
 +
* Relatively good armament
 +
* Relatively good climb rate, though not as good as a [[Spitfire (Family)|Spitfire]] or a maxed out [[P-39 (Family)|P-39 Airacobra]]
 +
* Good sustained turn
 +
* Faster than most opponents, such as the [[Spitfire Mk Vc]], [[Yak-3]], and [[La-5]], especially at altitude
 +
* Additional armament is good for destroying medium and light tanks with armoured targets belt
 +
* Both 20 mm MG 151/20 cannons can be loaded with the feared Minengeschoß round (Air targets belt)
 +
* All weaponry mounted in the nose, allowing easy aiming without having to worry about convergence
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Controls stiffen easily
 +
* Overheats quickly
 +
* Additional armament can reduce performance critically
 +
* Poor cockpit visibility
 +
* Prone to catching fire in a chase with a bomber
 +
* Gunpods can't load stealth belts, thus giving the attacker's position away during a surprise attack
 +
* 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 ==
 
== 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 big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 +
 
 +
{{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 Messerschmitt Bf 109 was the Luftwaffe's most widely-used fighter at the beginning of World War II.
 +
 
 +
When the advanced English Spitfire Mk.V arrived, the Messerschmitt Bf 109F Friedrich was developed in response.
 +
 
 +
The new model featured a more powerful engine and much-improved aerodynamics, but as a result became even more difficult to control.
 +
 
 +
The Bf 109 F-4/trop variant was built for use in tropical regions. It was unique due to its air intake filter, hydraulic seals and protective covers. In addition, an umbrella was extendable over the cockpit to help keep the pilot from overheating when on the ground. The plane was equipped with a special emergency kit including a gun for self-defense and a supply of food and water.
 +
 
 +
Almost all of the Bf 109 F variants had tropical versions produced, but the Bf 109 F-4/trop was the most popular. Despite its name, the tropical variants were used not only in Africa but also on the southern steppe, where dust clouds were a significant threat to aircraft engines, as well as in the far north, where the filters protected the plane's engines from falling snow.
 +
 
 +
A total of approximately 2,200 Bf 109 Fs were constructed.
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=bf-109f-4_trop Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
−
== Read also ==
+
== See also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
<!-- ''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;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
−
''ETC.''
 
  
−
== Sources ==
+
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
 
 +
* Macchi [[C. 205 serie 3]]
 +
* Fiat [[G.55 sottoserie 0]]
 +
* Kawasaki [[Ki-61-I tei]]
 +
* Kawasaki [[Ki-100]]
 +
 
 +
== External links ==
 +
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
+
* ''other literature.''-->
−
* ''other literature.''
+
 
 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/316098-messerschmitt-bf-109-f-4trop/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 +
 
 +
{{AirManufacturer BFW}}
 +
{{Germany fighters}}

Latest revision as of 17:56, 10 March 2023

Introducing Wiki 3.0
This page is about the German fighter Bf 109 F-4/trop. For other variants, see Bf 109 (Family).
Bf 109 F-4/trop
bf-109f-4_trop.png
GarageImage Bf 109 F-4trop.jpg
ArtImage Bf 109 F-4-trop.png
Bf 109 F-4/trop
Germany flag.png Germany
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
4.3 4.0 4.0
Class:
Research:13 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:76 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png

Description

The Bf 109 F-4/trop is a rank III German fighter with a battle rating of 4.3 (AB) and 4.0 (RB/SB). It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.

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, WEP must be limited or else the engine would overheat, although 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 at least once to see how effective it is because depending on how you play it can really boost your firepower abilities. The 15 mm cannons are a trade-off for manoeuvrability, but this additional firepower can help rip the wings off anything you face . 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 is not necessarily the most important, the additional MG 151s can mean the difference between downing a plane or nothing at all.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 5 800 m658 km/h
Turn time19 s
Max altitude11 600 m
EngineDaimler-Benz DB-601E
TypeInline
Cooling systemWater
Take-off weight3 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 5,800 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 634 618 11600 20.0 20.7 16.4 16.4 363
Upgraded 682 658 18.1 19.0 24.6 20.0

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
790 360 437 408 260 ~13 ~6
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 450 < 390 < 450 > 715
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
4,950 m 1,175 hp 1,321 hp

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural790 km/h
Gear360 km/h
  • 8 mm Steel - Pilot's seat
  • 10 mm Steel - Pilot's headrest
  • 6 mm Steel - behind the fuel tank
  • 60 mm Bulletproof glass

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB982 → 1 261 Sl icon.png
RB2 223 → 2 856 Sl icon.png
SB3 309 → 4 252 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications24 450 Rp icon.png
44 200 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 100 Ge icon.png
Crew training22 000 Sl icon.png
Experts76 000 Sl icon.png
Aces500 Ge icon.png
Research Aces320 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
60 / 150 / 310 % Sl icon.png
142 / 142 / 142 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 800 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 800 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 000 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 700 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 700 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 600 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 000 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 600 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
mg_belt_pack
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 800 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods napalm fire bomb.png
Flamm C 250
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 800 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
SC 50
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 800 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
mg17_new_gun
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 000 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mods gunpods.png
R1 modification
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 000 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
SC 250
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 000 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
mg15120_belt_pack
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 700 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
mg15115_belt_pack
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 700 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
mg15120_new_gun
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 600 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
mg15115_new_gun
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 600 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png

Energy fighters require acceleration, they live by it. Therefore most of "flight performance" upgrades are advised: Compressor, Engine and Engine injection. Meanwhile, the upgrades for the hub-firing 20 mm MG 151 should not be forgotten, especially the upgraded belts (Air targets).

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 120 mm MG 151 cannon
Ammunition200 rounds
Fire rate700 shots/min
Weapon 22 x 7.92 mm MG 17 machine gun
Ammunition1 000 rounds
Fire rate1 200 shots/min
Main articles: MG 151 (20 mm), MG 17 (7.92 mm)

The Bf 109 F-4/trop is armed with:

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

The two machine guns are mounted in the upper fuselage just in front of the pilot and fire through the propeller arc. Each are armed with the same amount of ammunition, which means that both guns will fire with each other until empty. The 20 mm cannon is mounted in the propeller shaft and fires through the propeller hub.

Suspended armament

List of setups (4)
Setup 14 x 50 kg SC50JA bomb
Setup 21 x 250 kg SC250JA bomb
Setup 31 x Flam C 250 incendiary bomb
Setup 42 x 15 mm MG 151 cannon (secondary) (ammunition: 250 rounds)
Main articles: SC50JA (50 kg), SC250JA (250 kg), MG 151 (15 mm), Flam C 250 incendiary

The Bf 109 F-4/trop 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 (125 rpg = 250 total)
  • 1 x Flam C 250 incendiary bomb

Usage in battles

The tropical version is much like the standard F-4 variant. New features are engine intake dust filter, a socket for sun-umbrellas and several other accommodations versus particulate matter. While these modifications allowed for prolonged service life in harsh environments like the Russian veld and Libya's desert, it also (marginally) costs top speed and engine performance due to increased air resistance and power diversion for the filtered aspirator, although these are hardly noticeable in combat.

The Bf 109 F-4 is not a great plane when you compare it to the other rank III planes, but it is effective nonetheless. Do not try to down a plane by coming behind it and giving them all you got, instead, try to scare your prey into a turn by peppering it with your 7.92 mm MG 17's, and then blow its wing off with the cannon. The cannon, unfortunately, fires relatively fast and runs out of ammo pretty quickly, so hitting a plane from the tail-end is hard to achieve.

Word to the wise: the F-4 is a fairly good turner for its class; if you are chased by an F4U, P-51, P-47D, or 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 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 the Spitfire. Then, repeat. Do not try to out-climb the Spitfire (community nickname is a Spacefire for a reason), but try to outrun it in a dive. The Spitfire Mk Vc is superior to the F-4, avoid it.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger 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 aircraft
  • Relatively good armament
  • Relatively good climb rate, though not as good as a Spitfire or a maxed out P-39 Airacobra
  • Good sustained turn
  • Faster than most opponents, such as the Spitfire Mk Vc, Yak-3, and La-5, especially at altitude
  • Additional armament is good for destroying medium and light tanks with armoured targets belt
  • Both 20 mm MG 151/20 cannons can be loaded with the feared Minengeschoß round (Air targets belt)
  • All weaponry mounted in the nose, allowing easy aiming without having to worry about convergence

Cons:

  • Controls stiffen easily
  • Overheats quickly
  • Additional armament can reduce performance critically
  • Poor cockpit visibility
  • Prone to catching fire in a chase with a bomber
  • Gunpods can't load stealth belts, thus giving the attacker's position away during a surprise attack
  • 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


Archive of the in-game description

The Messerschmitt Bf 109 was the Luftwaffe's most widely-used fighter at the beginning of World War II.

When the advanced English Spitfire Mk.V arrived, the Messerschmitt Bf 109F Friedrich was developed in response.

The new model featured a more powerful engine and much-improved aerodynamics, but as a result became even more difficult to control.

The Bf 109 F-4/trop variant was built for use in tropical regions. It was unique due to its air intake filter, hydraulic seals and protective covers. In addition, an umbrella was extendable over the cockpit to help keep the pilot from overheating when on the ground. The plane was equipped with a special emergency kit including a gun for self-defense and a supply of food and water.

Almost all of the Bf 109 F variants had tropical versions produced, but the Bf 109 F-4/trop was the most popular. Despite its name, the tropical variants were used not only in Africa but also on the southern steppe, where dust clouds were a significant threat to aircraft engines, as well as in the far north, where the filters protected the plane's engines from falling snow.

A total of approximately 2,200 Bf 109 Fs were constructed.


Media

Skins

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

External links


Bavarian Aircraft Corporation (BFW*)
Bf 109  Flegel's Bf 109 A · Bf 109 B-1 · Bf 109 C-1 · Bf 109 C-1 · Bf 109 E-1 · Bf 109 E-3 · Bf 109 E-4 · Bf 109 E-7/U2
  Bf 109 F-1 · Bf 109 F-2 · Bf 109 F-4 · Bf 109 F-4/trop · Bf 109 G-2/trop · Bf 109 G-6 · Bf 109 K-4 · Bf 109 G-10 · Bf 109 G-14 · Bf 109 Z-1
Bf 110  Bf 110 C-6 · Bf 110 C-7 · Bf 110 F-2 · Bf 110 G-2 · Bf 110 G-4
Me 410  Me 410 A-1 · Me 410 A-1/U2 · Me 410 A-1/U4 · Me 410 B-1 · Me 410 B-1/U2 · Me 410 B-2/U4 · Me 410 B-6/R3
Bombers  Me 264
Jet Fighters  Me 163 B · Me 163 B-0 · Me 262 A-1a · Me 262 A-1a/Jabo · Me 262 A-1a/U1 · Me 262 A-1/U4 · Me 262 A-2a · Me 262 C-1a · Me 262 C-2b
Export  ▅Bf 109 E-7 · ▄Bf 109 G-14/AS · ◐Bf 109 F-4 · ◐Bf 109 G-2 · Bf 109 G-2 · ▄Bf 109 G-2 · ▄Bf 109 G-6 · ▄Bf 109 G-6 Erla · ◐Bf 110 G-4
Captured  ▃Bf 109 F-4
  * BFW was later renamed Messerschmitt Aktiengesellschaft (AG) on 11 July 1938. All aircraft currently in production at this time retained the designation Bf while those developed after this date had the designation Me.

Germany fighters
Heinkel 
He 51  He 51 A-1 · He 51 B-1 · He 51 B-2/H · He 51 C-1 · He 51 C-1/L
He 100  He 100 D-1
He 112  He 112 A-0 · He 112 B-0 · He 112 B-1/U2 · He 112 B-2/U2 · He 112 V-5
Messerschmitt 
Bf 109 (Jumo)  Flegel's Bf 109 A · Bf 109 B-1 · Bf 109 C-1 · Bf 109 C-1
Bf 109 (DB-601)  Bf 109 E-1 · Bf 109 E-3 · Bf 109 E-4 · Bf 109 E-7/U2 · Bf 109 F-1 · Bf 109 F-2 · Bf 109 F-4 · Bf 109 F-4/trop
Bf 109 (DB-605)  Bf 109 G-2/trop · Bf 109 G-2 · Bf 109 G-6 · Bf 109 G-10 · Bf 109 G-14 · Bf 109 K-4
Focke-Wulf 
Fw 190 (early)  Fw 190 A-1 · Fw 190 A-4 · Fw 190 A-5 · Fw 190 A-5 · Fw 190 A-5/U2 · Fw 190 A-5/U14 · Fw 190 A-8 · Fw 190 C
Fw 190 (late)  Fw 190 D-9 · Fw 190 D-12 · Fw 190 D-13
Ta 152  Ta 152 C-3 · Ta 152 H-1
Blohm & Voss 
BV 155  BV 155 B-1
  Captured:
USA  ▀P-47D-16-RE · ▀P-47D
USSR  ▀La-5FN · ▀Yak-1B
Britain  ▀Tempest Mk V
Italy 
CR.42  ▀CR.42 · ▀Marcolin's C.R.42 CN
G.50  ▀G.50 serie 2 · ▀G.50 AS serie 7
C.200  ▀C. 200 serie 3 · ▀C. 200 serie 7
C.202  ▀C. 202
Finland  ▀Hawk H-75A-2

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