Difference between revisions of "Bf 109 E-4"

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Latest revision as of 01:36, 1 September 2024

This page is about the German fighter Bf 109 E-4. For other variants, see Bf 109 (Family).

Bf 109 E-4

Bf 109 E-3

Bf 109 F-1

Bf 109 E-4

AB	RB	SB
3.0	3.0	3.0

Class:

Fighter

Research:5 600

Purchase:22 000

Description

The Bf 109 E-4 is a rank II German fighter with a battle rating of 3.0 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.53 "Firestorm". The differences from its predecessor are little in quantity, though they have a drastic effect in-game. The E-4 is slightly heavier, but thanks to better surface polishing and a +150 hp WEP, it is faster than the E-3. The greatest advantage though is the installation of MG FF/M cannons with minengeschoße.

After having played both the E-1 and E-3, players will rejoice upon unlocking the E-4. While essentially the same plane, the E-4 overcomes the inadequate MG FF with MG FF/M, featuring the fantastic minengeschoße. With two wing-mounted MG FF/Ms with 60 rounds each, the plane has an even more deadly punch, attributed solely to the new thin-walled 20 mm HE shells. Fighting in the E-4 is essentially the same as with all E-frame 109s.

Remaining a great energy fighter against its historical opposition, the E-4 is somewhat troubled by the fact that it often faces mid-to-later-war planes such as the P-47D. To engage these, make sure you have a clear energy advantage; if attacked, fly defensively and attempt to bleed the enemy's speed while pulling them down. The Bf 109 E-4 is often regarded as a poor turner, a reputation coming from the fact that its main rival, the Spitfire, simply did it better. However, with combat flaps, the E-4 is a respectable turner able to out-turn most planes that outperform it in other ways. However, keep in mind that one of the changes from E-3 to E-4 increased the frame's weight. Flat turning should only be reserved for extreme situations.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed

at 5 000 m580 km/h

Turn time21 s

Max altitude11 000 m

EngineDaimler-Benz DB-601N

TypeInline

Cooling systemWater

Take-off weight3 t

The DB 601N provides its maximum performance around 2,000 m to 5,000 m (6,500 ft to 16,500 ft respectively) and comes with WEP, providing +150 hp upon activation. The boost will last about one minute from a cooled engine.

Characteristics	Max Speed (km/h at 5,000 m)		Max altitude (metres)	Turn time (seconds)		Rate of climb (metres/second)		Take-off run (metres)
Characteristics	AB	RB	Max altitude (metres)	AB	RB	AB	RB	Take-off run (metres)
Stock	558	543	11000	22.0	22.7	14.1	14.1	390
Upgraded	604	580	11000	20.1	21.0	22.4	17.8	390

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
Wings (km/h)	Gear (km/h)	Combat	Take-off	Landing	+	-
790	320	487	471	280	~12	~5

Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons	Rudder	Elevators	Radiator
< 450	< 390	< 400	> 318

Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude	100% Engine power	WEP Engine power
3,550 m	1,050 hp	1,172 hp

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person

Speed of destruction

Structural790 km/h

Gear320 km/h

10 mm Steel plate behind seat
10 mm Steel plate headrest
No armour glazing
Critical components located in front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)

While the armour is quite limited on the Bf 109 E-4 as in other fighter aircraft, the Bf 109 E-4 compensates with its other flight performances.

When engaging the Bf 109 E-4, doing so in a group is your best bet. While it can easily pick off one or two planes, it doesn't have very much cannon ammo and will be easily overwhelmed when engaged by multiple foes. In a one-on-one engagement, try to trick the pilot into bleeding their energy. While the Bf 109 E-4 will outrun most planes at its rank, it can also be outgunned by them. Once it uses all its cannon ammo, it's only left with two machine guns, which most planes take little to no damage from at a glance.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference

AB631 → 798

RB1 321 → 1 672

SB1 832 → 2 319

Total cost of modifications10 340

13 740

Talisman cost750

Crew training6 300

Experts22 000

Aces250

Research Aces220 000

Reward for battleAB / RB / SB

40 / 100 / 200 %

124 / 124 / 124 %

Modifications

Flight performance

Survivability

Weaponry

Fuselage repair Research: 420 Cost: 560 75	Radiator Research: 420 Cost: 560 75
Compressor Research: 780 Cost: 1 000 135
Wings repair Research: 650 Cost: 860 115	Engine Research: 650 Cost: 860 115
Engine injection Research: 1 100 Cost: 1 500 190

Airframe

Research:

780

Cost:

1 000

135

Cover

Research:

1 100

Cost:

1 500

190

mg_belt_pack Research: 420 Cost: 560 75	SC 50 Research: 420 Cost: 560 75	Flamm C 250 Research: 420 Cost: 560 75
mg17_new_gun Research: 780 Cost: 1 000 135
mgff_belt_pack Research: 650 Cost: 860 115	SC 250 Research: 650 Cost: 860 115
mgffm_new_gun Research: 1 100 Cost: 1 500 190

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 12 x 20 mm MG FF/M cannon

Ammunition120 rounds

Fire rate520 shots/min

Weapon 22 x 7.92 mm MG 17 machine gun

Ammunition2 000 rounds

Fire rate1 200 shots/min

Main articles: MG FF/M (20 mm), MG 17 (7.92 mm)

The Bf 109 E-4 is armed with:

2 x 20 mm MG FF/M cannons, wing-mounted (60 rpg = 120 total)
2 x 7.92 mm MG 17 machine guns, nose-mounted (1,000 rpg = 2,000 total)

The two cannons are mounted with one in each wing whereas the two machine guns are mounted in the upper fuselage just in front of the cockpit.

The main armament is identical to that of the Bf 109 E-3. However, there is one critical difference. The MG FF/M can fire minengeschoße shells. Minengeschoße's shell is very thin, allowing more incendiary material to be used; however, these very same characteristics prevent them from being fired from older MG FF versions (like on the predecessor E-3). Thus, the MG FF/Ms are far more powerful than the MG FFs.

Suspended armament

List of setups (3)

Setup 14 x 50 kg SC50JA bomb

Setup 21 x 250 kg SC250JA bomb

Setup 31 x Flam C 250 incendiary bomb

Main articles: SC50JA (50 kg), SC250JA (250 kg), Flam C 250 incendiary

The Bf 109 E-4 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)
1 x Flam C 250 incendiary bomb

The E-4 can load either 4 x 50 kg or 1 x 250 kg bombs. Unless you like to fly at a severe disadvantage, do not use the bombs unless you have to in order to win a match, for example after refuelling/restocking at the base. The bomb load is nowhere near large enough to make a fighter bombing trip worth it.

Usage in battles

Click to enlarge

Just like the Bf 109 E-3, the E-4 is a well versatile fighter, being able to both do hit and run strikes and dogfight enemy planes, even though its strong point is the hit and run tactic having great energy advantage over most enemies it will face. Having a great climb ability and decent acceleration makes it an enemy to be aware of. There are other German planes that can perform the hit and run tactic far better than the 109, for example the Fw 190, the Bf 109 on the other hand is the more versatile fighter. Having a excellent climb ability will give the E-4 the advantage it needs to be able to strike on enemy fighters from above, having a high speed gain in a dive gives the E-4 the ability to easily catch up to enemies. But one con with its speed is that when it gains too much speed it can lock up and be difficult to manoeuvre and pull up. Being able to catch up with enemies is not the only thing the E-4 is good at. It has an average turn rate but in proper hands the E-4 can be a fearsome dogfighter competing with most fighters. Some advantages it has over the Spitfire and Hurricane is the engine, being able to do manoeuvring without choking the engine with lack of fuel from doing manoeuvres.

The 109 E-4's strong points is being equipped with 2 x MG FF/M compared to the E-3 that uses the MG FF. The MG FF/M lets the E-4 use minengeschoß in its belts having a devastating mine shell is always a benefit to have in its arsenal. Though having the devastating minengeschoß shells its lack of ammunition in the MG FF/M with only 60 rounds each makes it limited with how many shells and the cannons should be used with care when they got a clear shot on the hostile plane. Not only being armed with cannons the E-4 also comes equipped with 2 x MG 17 that holds 1,000 rounds each and can be a leading guide for the 20 mm cannons. Though should not take the small calibre MG 17 for granted. They can also tear enemies at the BR with ease, having a fast rate of fire means it can put a lot of bullets into the enemy plane in short amount of time and that is a excellent thing since greater chance to hit vital areas of the target. Preference is to use the machine guns and cannons together for a devastating effect on the target but they can be used separately for a good effect still.

Enemies to be wary of are mostly turn fighters like the Spitfire and I-16 since they can out turn the E-4 with ease. Also take note of hit and run planes like P-38E and La-5 since though they might not have the greatest climb ability, they can still be formidable opponents when it comes to hit and run attacks.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer	Pitch	Radiator			Supercharger	Turbocharger
Mixer	Pitch	Oil	Water	Type	Supercharger	Turbocharger
Not controllable	Controllable Auto control available	Controllable Not auto controlled	Controllable Not auto controlled	Separate	Not controllable 1 gear	Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

Good flight performance overall with acceleration, rate of climb, roll rate, and turn rate
Plenty of machine gun ammo
Fairly good MG FF/M cannons in steady hands, ideal for Boom & Zoom
Can perform negative G manoeuvres
Better cockpit visibility than Bf 109 Fs

Cons:

Less than average instantaneous turn rate
Control stiffening above 400 km/h IAS
Low cannon ammo count
Weak, low-velocity cannons compared to Hispano, MG 151/20, etc
Relatively poor durability
Harsh matchmaking
Thicker cockpit framing than the E-3 with armoured glass frame

History

The Bf 109 E-4 was the replacement of the older E-3 version that was used in Battle of Britain, upgraded with new 20 mm MG FF/Ms and better protection for the pilot. Upgraded with the 20 mm MG FF/M made the E-4 unlike the E-3 being able to use the Minengeschoß shells. Just like the E-3, the E-4 had an extensive use in the Battle of Britain facing formidable opponents like the Spitfire and Hurricane. Entering production in 1940 being based on its predecessor the E-3 most of them got converted later into the E-4.

Media

Skins

Skins and camouflages for the Bf 109 E-4 from live.warthunder.com.

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

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{Specs-Card|code=bf-109e-4}}
 {{About
 | about = German fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 | usage = other variants
 | link = Bf 109 (Family)
+}}
+{{Specs-Card
+|code=bf-109e-4
+|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 }}
 == Description ==
 <!-- ''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.'' -->
-[[File:GarageImage_Bf109E4.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
-{{Break}}
 The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.53 "Firestorm"]]. The differences from its [[Bf 109 E-3|predecessor]] are little in quantity, though they have a drastic effect in-game. The E-4 is slightly heavier, but thanks to better surface polishing and a +150 hp WEP, it is faster than the E-3. The greatest advantage though is the installation of MG FF/M cannons with minengeschoße.
@@ Line 18: / Line 19: @@
 == General info ==
 === Flight performance ===
+{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 <!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 The DB 601N provides its maximum performance around 2,000 m to 5,000 m (6,500 ft to 16,500 ft respectively) and comes with WEP, providing +150 hp upon activation. The boost will last about one minute from a cooled engine.
@@ Line 32: / Line 34: @@
 |-
 ! Stock
-| 558 || 544 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 22.0 || 22.7 || 14.0 || 14.1 || rowspan="2" | 390
+| 558 || 543 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 22.0 || 22.7 || 14.1 || 14.1 || rowspan="2" | 390
 |-
 ! Upgraded
@@ Line 61: / Line 63: @@
 ! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 |-
-| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 500 || 500 || 280 || ~11 || ~5
+| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 487 || 471 || 280 || ~12 || ~5
 |-
 |}
@@ Line 90: / Line 92: @@
 === Survivability and armour ===
+{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 <!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
@@ Line 100: / Line 103: @@
 When engaging the Bf 109 E-4, doing so in a group is your best bet. While it can easily pick off one or two planes, it doesn't have very much cannon ammo and will be easily overwhelmed when engaged by multiple foes. In a one-on-one engagement, try to trick the pilot into bleeding their energy. While the Bf 109 E-4 will outrun most planes at its rank, it can also be outgunned by them. Once it uses all its cannon ammo, it's only left with two machine guns, which most planes take little to no damage from at a glance.
+=== Modifications and economy ===
+{{Specs-Economy}}
 == Armaments ==
+{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 === Offensive armament ===
+{{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 FF/M (20 mm)|MG 17 (7.92 mm)}}
@@ Line 111: / Line 119: @@
 * 2 x 7.92 mm MG 17 machine guns, nose-mounted (1,000 rpg = 2,000 total)
-The two canons are mounted with one in each wing whereas the two machine guns are mounted in the upper fuselage just in front of the cockpit.
+The two cannons are mounted with one in each wing whereas the two machine guns are mounted in the upper fuselage just in front of the cockpit.
 The main armament is identical to that of the [[Bf 109 E-3]]. However, there is one critical difference. The MG FF/M can fire minengeschoße shells. Minengeschoße's shell is very thin, allowing more incendiary material to be used; however, these very same characteristics prevent them from being fired from older MG FF versions (like on the predecessor E-3). Thus, the MG FF/Ms are far more powerful than the MG FFs.
 === Suspended armament ===
+{{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)}}
+{{main|SC50JA (50 kg)|SC250JA (250 kg)|Flam C 250 incendiary}}
 The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
@@ Line 124: / Line 133: @@
 * 4 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (200 kg total)
 * 1 x 250 kg SC250JA bomb (250 kg total)
+* 1 x Flam C 250 incendiary bomb
 The E-4 can load either 4 x 50 kg or 1 x 250 kg bombs. Unless you like to fly at a severe disadvantage, do not use the bombs unless you have to in order to win a match, for example after refuelling/restocking at the base. The bomb load is nowhere near large enough to make a fighter bombing trip worth it.
@@ Line 150: / Line 160: @@
 ! Oil !! Water !! Type
 |-
-| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable<br>1 gear || Not controllable
+| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable<br>1 gear || Not controllable
-|-
-|}
-=== Modules ===
-{| class="wikitable"
-! Tier
-! colspan="2" | Flight performance
-! Survivability
-! colspan="2" | Weaponry
-|-
-| I
-| Fuselage repair
-| Radiator
-|
-| Offensive 7 mm
-| ETC 50/VIIId
-|-
-| II
-|
-| Compressor
-| Airframe
-| New 7 mm MGs
-|
-|-
-| III
-| Wings repair
-| Engine
-|
-| Offensive 20 mm
-| ETC 500/IXb
-|-
-| IV
-|
-| Engine injection
-| Cover
-| New 20 mm cannons
-|
 |-
 |}
@@ Line 217: / Line 190: @@
 == Media ==
-''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, 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-109e-4 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 == See also ==
@@ Line 226: / Line 203: @@
 ;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
-* Mitsubishi [[A6M (Family)|A6M]]
+* North American [[P-51 (Family)|P-51]] Mustang
-* Bell [[P-39 (Family)|P-39]] Airacobra
+* [[IAR-81C]]
-* Curtiss [[P-36 (Family)|P-36]]
-* Curtiss [[P-40 (Family)|P-40]]
-* Dewoitine [[D.520]]
-* Fiat [[G.55 serie 1|G.55]]
-* Focke-Wulf [[Fw 190 (Family)|Fw 190]]
-* Grumman [[F4F (Family)|F4F]] Wildcat
-* Grumman [[F6F (Family)|F6F]] Hellcat
-* Hawker [[Hurricane (Family)|Hurricane]]
-* Heinkel [[He 112 (Family)|He 112]]
-* [[IAR-81C|IAR-81]]
 * Kawasaki [[Ki-61 (Family)|Ki-61]]
-* Lavochkin [[LaGG-3 (Family)|LaGG-3]]
-* Macchi [[C.202]]
-* Macchi [[C.205 serie 1|C.205]]
-* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-3 (Family)|MiG-3]]
-* Morane-Saulnier [[M.S.406C1|MS.406]]
-* Nakajima [[Ki-43 (Family)|Ki-43]]
-* North American [[P-51 (Family)|P-51]] Mustang
-* Polikarpov [[I-16 (Family)|I-16]]
-* Supermarine [[Spitfire (Family)|Spitfire]]
-* Yakovlev [[Yak-1]]
-* Yakovlev [[Yak-9]]
 == External links ==
 <!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 * ''topic on the official game forum;''
-* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 * ''other literature.'' -->
+* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/272433-messerschmitt-bf-109-e-4/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 *[[Wikipedia:Messerschmitt_Messerschmitt_Bf_109_variants#E-4 English| [Wikipedia<nowiki>]</nowiki> Messerschmitt Bf 109 variants &ndash; Bf 109 E-4]]
 *[https://me109.info/ Falcon's Messerschmitt Bf 109 Hangar]

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Difference between revisions of "Bf 109 E-4"

Latest revision as of 01:36, 1 September 2024

Contents

Description

General info

Flight performance

Details

Survivability and armour

Modifications and economy

Armaments

Offensive armament

Suspended armament

Usage in battles

Manual Engine Control

Pros and cons

History

Media

See also

External links