Bf 109 E-7/U2

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This page is about the German fighter Bf 109 E-7/U2. For other versions, see Bf 109 (Family).
Bf 109 E-7/U2
bf-109e-7.png
GarageImage Bf 109 E-7 U2.jpg
ArtImage Bf 109 E-7-U2.png
Bf 109 E-7/U2
AB RB SB
3.0 3.0 3.0
Show in game
MARKET

Description

The Bf 109 E-7/U2 is a premium gift rank II German fighter with a battle rating of 3.0 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.53 "Firestorm". It was a reward in the 2015 Thunder League and later became available as a trophy chest reward in the Warbonds shop in April 2018, but is currently a rare vehicle that can only be obtained through the Marketplace.

The Bf 109 E-7 offers little difference from its historic predecessor, the Bf 109 E-4, but is a model produced from the experience gained from the E-4. Notable differences include a newly designed aerodynamic propeller hub and additional bomb racks, the bomb racks also allowing the usage of drop tanks to extend its combat range.

While essentially the same plane as the Bf 109 E-3, the E-7 trades the inadequate MG FF for the MG FF/M, featuring the fantastic Minengeschoß round. With two wing-mounted MG FF/M with 60 rounds each, the plane has an even more deadly punch, attributed solely to the new installed 20 mm HE shell. Fighting in the E-7/U2 is essentially the same as with all E-frame 109s.

Remaining a great energy fighter versus its historical opposition, the E-7 is somewhat troubled by the fact that it often faces mid-to-later war planes such as the P-47D-25. To engage these, make sure you have a clear energy advantage or, if attacked, fly defensively and attempt to bleed the enemies speed while pulling him down. The Bf 109 E-7/U2 is often not regarded as a good turner, a reputation coming out of the fact that its main rival, the Spitfire, simply did it better. However, especially with combat flaps, the E-7 is a respectable turner able to out turn most planes that outperform it. Keep in mind though that one of the changes from E-3 to E-7 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
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 5,000 m)
Max altitude
(metres)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(metres/second)
Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 554 543 11000 22.3 22.7 11.8 14.0 390
Upgraded 604 580 20.1 21.0 22.4 17.8

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 + -
790 320 487 471 280 ~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 - pilot's seat
  • 10 mm Steel - pilot's headrest
  • Self-sealing fuel tank (behind pilot's seat)

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB909 Sl icon.png
RB700 Sl icon.png
SB941 Sl icon.png
Crew training3 400 Sl icon.png
Experts23 000 Sl icon.png
Aces180 Ge icon.png
Research Aces380 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 40 / 70 / 150 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 118 / 118 / 118 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Mods ammo.png
mg_belt_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
SC 50
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods napalm fire bomb.png
Flamm C 250
Mods weapon.png
mg17_new_gun
Mods ammo.png
mgff_belt_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
SC 250
Mods weapon.png
mgffm_new_gun

Armaments

Offensive armament

Ammunition120 rounds
Fire rate520 shots/min
Ammunition2 000 rounds
Fire rate1 200 shots/min

The Bf 109 E-7/U2 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)

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

The Bf 109 E-7/U2 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

Usage in battles

Click to enlarge

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 Minengeschoß shells. Mine shells have a thin shell, allowing more incendiary material to be used; however the very same characteristics prevent these shells to be fired from older MG FF versions (like on the predecessor, E-3). Thus, the MGFF/Ms are far more powerful than the MG FFs.

The E-7 is able to load bombs, either 4 x 50 kg or 1 x 250 kg. 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 big enough to make a fighter bombing trip worth it.

The DB 601N engine 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 normal operating temperatures.

Tactics

Just as the with the Bf 109 E-1, new players should adopt a hit and run tactic with the Bf 109s. While often called Boom & Zoom aircraft, the 109s are not dedicated Boom & Zoomers and many other aircraft such as the Fw 190 A-1 do it much better. While it is true that a pure Boom and Zooming approach can be used in the 109s, limiting oneself to this undermines ones plane efficiency enormously. That said, the 109s does build up speed fast in a dive and they have a respectable zoom climb that ends in a strong sustained climb at ~270 km/h [optimal climbing speed 260 km/h - 280 km/h]. Doing so will often see the player with the maximum speed or altitude advantage he can have over his chosen target. A straight-up bounce, with a short extend from the target and a slowly increasing climb leading into an Immelmann tends to work best for rookie pilots. Remember to check your six and surroundings during the climb and just before diving back on your target.

With mounting experience on the side of the player, the energy fighting abilities of the Bf 109 E-7/U2 come to the forefront. Fluid and speedy transitions between altitude and speed, together with well timed uses of flaps, throttle and manoeuvres enable the Emil to quickly change the nature of the engagement in its favour.

When firing at enemies, be aware that your 20 mm cannons only hold a 60 round drum magazine each. They empty quick and many a new pilot has seen himself on pitiful low ammunition even after his first attack run. Once you emptied your cannons, the E-7 will be hard-pressed to down a plane with just the machine guns. In your own interest, do not waste your cannons on ground targets and when firing at planes, fire in short, controlled and well aimed bursts. Luckily, the E-7 holds 1,000 rounds in each of its two MG 17s. Use these if you are inclined to spray and pray or are are about to engage ground targets.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
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:

  • Great overall manoeuvrability
  • Good acceleration
  • Good rate of climb
  • Good continuous turn rate
  • Good roll rate
  • Good sustained turn rate
  • Excellent MG ammunition load
  • Powerful 20 mm cannons
  • Can perform negative-G manoeuvres
  • Better cockpit visibility than Bf 109 F-series

Cons:

  • Less than average instantaneous turn rate
  • Control stiffening above 400 km/h IAS
  • Cannons have a limited amount of ammo
  • Low muzzle velocity compared to other cannons (Hispano, MG 151/20, etc.)
  • Relatively poor durability
  • Harsh matchmaking
  • Engine overheats relatively quick
  • Water radiator is prone to being damaged and leaking, compounding the overheating problem
  • Missing its historical radiator and glass armour

History

The E-7 was used extensively in "Operation Barbarossa" (invasion of USSR), it was eventually replaced by the Bf 109 F-4. Old machines remained in use though by other Axis nations, such as Romania and Hungary.

Media

Skins

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


Bavarian Aircraft Corporation (BFW*)
Bf 109  Flegel's Bf 109 A · Bf 109 B-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 (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
  Foreign:
USA  ▀P-47D-16-RE · ▀P-47D
USSR  ▀La-5FN · ▀Yak-1B
Britain  ▀Tempest Mk V
Italy  ▀CR.42 · ▀Marcolin's C.R.42 CN · ▀G.50 serie 2 · ▀G.50 AS serie 7 · ▀C. 200 serie 3 · ▀C. 200 serie 7 · ▀C. 202
Finland  ▀Hawk H-75A-2

Germany premium aircraft
Fighters  He 51 B-2/H · BV 155 B-1
He 112  He 112 B-1/U2 · He 112 B-2/U2
Bf 109  Flegel's Bf 109 A · Bf 109 E-7/U2 · Bf 109 G-2
Fw 190  Fw 190 A-5/U14 · Fw 190 C · Fw 190 D-13
Captured  ▀Marcolin's C.R.42 CN · ▀Hawk H-75A-2 · ▀Yak-1B · ▀La-5FN · ▀P-47D-16-RE · ▀P-47D · ▀Tempest Mk V
Twin-engine fighters  Bf 109 Z-1 · Ju 388 J · Ta 154 A-1
Jet fighters  ◄Sea Hawk Mk.100 · ◄G.91 R/4 · ◄MiG-21 SPS-K · ◊MiG-21 "Lazur-M"
Strike aircraft  Hs 129 B-2 (Romania) · ▀IL-2 (1942) · Bf 110 C-6 · Do 335 B-2 · He 219 A-7 · ◄Tornado IDS WTD61
Bombers  Ar 196 A-3 · BV 238 · Fw 189 A-1 · Ju 87 R-2 Libya · Ju 288 C · ▀Wellington Mk Ic