Difference between revisions of "Bf 109 F-4"

From War Thunder Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
Visual (beta)Wikitext
(Added In-game description.)
(Updated as of 1.89.1.170)
Line 2: Line 2:
 
{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = German fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = German fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
−
| usage = other uses
+
| other
−
| link = Bf 109 (Family)
+
| usage-1 = the American version
 +
| link-1 = Bf 109 F-4 (USA)
 +
| usage-2 = other versions
 +
| link-2 = Bf 109 (Family)
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== 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.'' -->
 
[[File:GarageImage_Bf109F-4.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
[[File:GarageImage_Bf109F-4.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
{{break}}
 
{{break}}
−
The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German fighter {{Battle-rating}}. This fighter has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.29.
+
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 ==
 
== 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.''-->
+
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
−
====Stat card====
+
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 22: Line 25:
 
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 7,040 m)
+
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,000 m)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
−
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! AB
+
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 633 || 624 || 11,600 || 20.3 || 20.7 || 16.3 || 16.3 || 363
+
| 641 || 624 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.0 || 20.7 || 16.4 || 16.4 || 363
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 7,040 m)
+
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,000 m)
−
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
−
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
+
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
−
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! AB
+
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 695 || 665 || 11,600 || 18.1 || 19.0 || 28.4 || 20.0 || 363
+
| 691 || 665 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 18.1 || 19.0 || 24.5 || 20 || 363
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
====Details====
+
==== Details ====
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Combat flap
+
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
−
! Take-off flap
 
−
! Landing flap
 
−
! Air brakes
 
−
! Arrestor gear
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X
+
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X     <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 77: Line 66:
 
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps<br>(km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
−
! +
+
! + !! -
−
! -
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 790 || 450 ||460|| ~17 || ~10
+
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 460 || ~12 || ~6
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 96: Line 84:
 
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < 390 || < 390 || < 450 || > 250
+
| < 450 || < 390 || < 450 || > 715
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 110: Line 98:
 
! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 4,950 m || 1,185 hp || 1,333 hp  
+
| 4,950 m || 1,185 hp || 1,333 hp
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 138: Line 126:
 
! colspan="2" | Take-off
 
! colspan="2" | Take-off
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Arcade'' || colspan="2" | 1,065 hp || colspan="2" | 1,305 hp
+
| ''Arcade'' || colspan="2" | 1,065 hp || colspan="2" | 1,212 hp
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Realistic/Simulator'' || colspan="2" | 1,053 hp || colspan="2" | 1,170 hp
+
| ''Realistic/Simulator'' || colspan="2" | 1,053 hp || colspan="2" | 1,200 hp
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="4" | Engine power (Upgraded)
 
! colspan="4" | Engine power (Upgraded)
Line 148: Line 136:
 
! colspan="2" | Take-off
 
! colspan="2" | Take-off
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Arcade'' || colspan="2" | 1,212 hp || colspan="2" | 1,452 hp
+
| ''Arcade'' || colspan="2" | 1,305 hp || colspan="2" | 1,452 hp
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Realistic/Simulator'' || colspan="2" | 1,200 hp || colspan="2" | 1,318 hp
+
| ''Realistic/Simulator'' || colspan="2" | 1,170 hp || colspan="2" | 1,318 hp
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 166: Line 154:
  
 
=== 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.''
+
''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.''
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== 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.''-->
+
<!-- ''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 (20 mm)|MG 17 (7.92 mm)}}
 
{{main|MG 151/20 (20 mm)|MG 17 (7.92 mm)}}
  
−
The Bf 109 F-4 is armed with:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
−
 
+
* 1 x 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon, nose-mounted (200 rpg)
−
* 1 x 20 mm [[MG 151/20 (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)
−
* 2 x 7.92 mm [[MG 17 (7.92 mm)|MG 17]] machine gun, nose-mounted (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
 
  
 
=== 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.''-->
+
<!-- ''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 (15 mm)}}
 
{{main|SC50JA (50 kg)|SC250JA (250 kg)|MG 151/15 (15 mm)}}
  
−
The options available for the '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' are:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
−
 
+
* Without load
 
* 4 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (200 kg total)
 
* 4 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (200 kg total)
 
* 1 x 250 kg SC250JA bomb (250 kg total)
 
* 1 x 250 kg SC250JA bomb (250 kg total)
−
* 2 x 15 mm MG 151 cannons, wing-mounted (125 rpg = 250 total)
+
* 2 x 15 mm MG 151/15 cannons, wing-mounted (gunpods) (125 rpg = 250 total)
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
== Usage in battles ==
−
<!--''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).''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in an 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).'' -->
 
[[File:Cockpits_Bf109F-4.jpg|thumbnail|right|The Bf 109 F-4's instrument panel.]]
 
[[File:Cockpits_Bf109F-4.jpg|thumbnail|right|The Bf 109 F-4's instrument panel.]]
−
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 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 650km/h.
+
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 15mm 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.
+
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 7.92mm MG 17s, and then blow its wing off with the cannon.
+
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 7.92mm 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_(Disambiguation)|F4U]], [[P-51_(Disambiguation)|P-51]], [[P-47D-25|P-47D]], [[F6F_(Disambiguation)|F6F]] or [[Typhoon_(Disambiguation)|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_(Disambiguation)|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 (its community nickname is a `''Spacefire''´ for a reason), but try to outrun it in a dive. The [[Spitfire Mk Vc|Spitfire Mk-Vc]] is superior to the F-4, so avoid them.
+
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 (its community nickname is the ''Spacefire'' for a reason), but try to outrun it in a dive. The [[Spitfire Mk Vc]] is superior to the F-4, so avoid them.
  
−
===Manual Engine Control===
+
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" |Mixer
+
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
−
! rowspan="2" |Pitch
+
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
 
! colspan="3" | Radiator
 
! colspan="3" | Radiator
−
! rowspan="2" |Supercharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
−
! rowspan="2" |Turbocharger
+
! 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
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
=== Modules ===
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
! Tier
 +
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 +
! Survivability
 +
! colspan="3" | Weaponry
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Oil
+
| I
−
! Water
+
| Fuselage repair
−
! Type
+
| Radiator
 +
|
 +
| Offensive 7 mm
 +
| ETC 50/VIIId
 +
|
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Automatic pitch || rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Combined || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
+
| II
 +
|
 +
| Compressor
 +
| Airframe
 +
| New 7 mm MGs
 +
| ETC 500/IXb I
 +
| R1 modification
 +
|-
 +
| III
 +
| Wings repair
 +
| Engine
 +
|
 +
| Offensive 20 mm
 +
|
 +
| Offensive 15 mm
 +
|-
 +
| IV
 +
|
 +
| Engine injection
 +
| Cover
 +
| New 20 mm cannons
 +
|
 +
| New 15 mm cannons
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== 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, compared to Russian and American counterparts
 
* Nimble, compared to Russian and American counterparts
 
* Its 20 mm is lethal if the shells hit
 
* 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
 
* Relatively good climb rate, possibly as good as a Spitfire or a maxed-out P-39 Airacobra
 
* Good sustained turn
 
* Good sustained turn
−
* Faster than most opponents, such as the Spitfire Mk.V, Yak-3, and La-5, especially at altitude
+
* Faster than most opponents, such as the Spitfire Mk V, Yak-3, and La-5, especially at altitude
 
* Good performance at medium altitudes
 
* Good performance at medium altitudes
 
* Better than the F-4 tropical variant due to engine power.
 
* Better than the F-4 tropical variant due to engine power.
−
* The 15mm cannons have quite high penetration with the armoured targets belt. They are very effective against soft targets.  
+
* The 15 mm cannons have quite high penetration with the armoured targets belt. They are very effective against soft targets.
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
 
 
* Overheats quickly
 
* Overheats quickly
 
* Additional armament can critically reduce performance, especially in a dogfight
 
* Additional armament can critically reduce performance, especially in a dogfight
Line 241: Line 266:
  
 
== 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).''
  
 
=== In-game description ===
 
=== 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 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."
+
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 ==
 
== 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.'' -->
−
[http://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?q=%23bf109f4 Skins and camouflages for the Bf 109 F-4 from live.warthunder.com.]
+
* [http://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?q=%23bf109f4 Skins and camouflages for the Bf 109 F-4 from live.warthunder.com.]
−
 
 
−
== Read also ==
 
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
 
  
 +
== 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;''
 
* ''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.''
+
== External links ==
−
 
 
−
== Sources ==
 
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
''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;''
+
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
 
{{Germany fighters}}
 
{{Germany fighters}}

Revision as of 13:58, 19 August 2019

Bf 109 F-4
bf-109f-4.png
Bf 109 F-4
Germany flag.png Germany
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
4.3 4.0 4.0
Class:
Research:18 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:47 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the German fighter Bf 109 F-4. For the American version, see Bf 109 F-4 (USA). For other versions, see Bf 109 (Family).

Description

GarageImage Bf 109 F-4.jpg


The Bf 109 F-4 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.

General info

Flight performance

Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed
(km/h at 6,000 m) 		Max altitude
(meters) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
641 624 11600 20.0 20.7 16.4 16.4 363
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at 6,000 m) 		Max altitude
(meters) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
691 665 11600 18.1 19.0 24.5 20 363

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wing-break speed
(km/h) 		Gear limit
(km/h) 		Combat flaps
(km/h) 		Max Static G
+ -
460 ~12 ~6
Optimal velocities
Ailerons
(km/h) 		Rudder
(km/h) 		Elevators
(km/h) 		Radiator
(km/h)
< 450 < 390 < 450 > 715
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
4,950 m 1,185 hp 1,333 hp

Engine performance

Engine
Engine Name Number present
Daimler-Benz DB-601E 12-cylinder 1
Engine characteristics
Weight (each) Type Cooling
610 kg Inline Water
Engine power (Stock)
Mode Max Take-off
Arcade 1,065 hp 1,212 hp
Realistic/Simulator 1,053 hp 1,200 hp
Engine power (Upgraded)
Mode Max Take-off
Arcade 1,305 hp 1,452 hp
Realistic/Simulator 1,170 hp 1,318 hp
WEP Duration
Arcade Realistic/Simulator
25 seconds Infinite

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, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main articles: MG 151/20 (20 mm), MG 17 (7.92 mm)

The Bf 109 F-4 is armed with:

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

Suspended armament

Main articles: SC50JA (50 kg), SC250JA (250 kg), MG 151/15 (15 mm)

The Bf 109 F-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)
  • 2 x 15 mm MG 151/15 cannons, wing-mounted (gunpods) (125 rpg = 250 total)

Usage in battles

The Bf 109 F-4's instrument panel.

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 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 7.92mm 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, P-51, P-47D, F6F 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 it. Then, repeat. Do not try to out-climb the Spitfire (its community nickname is the Spacefire for a reason), but try to outrun it in a dive. The Spitfire Mk Vc is superior to the F-4, so avoid them.

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

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage repair Radiator Offensive 7 mm ETC 50/VIIId
II Compressor Airframe New 7 mm MGs ETC 500/IXb I R1 modification
III Wings repair Engine Offensive 20 mm Offensive 15 mm
IV Engine injection Cover New 20 mm cannons New 15 mm cannons

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.

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

History

Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable).

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

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

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • encyclopedia page on the aircraft;
  • other literature.


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

Retrieved from "https://old-wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=Bf_109_F-4&oldid=30081"