The Messerschmitt Bf 109G-2, nicknamed "Gustav", was a variant of the German single-engine Bf 109 fighter aircraft. The G series was the most produced version of the Bf 109 family. It differed from its predecessor, the Bf 109 F-4](/unit/bf-109f-4), primarily due to the new Daimler-Benz DB 605 engine. While maintaining similar dimensions, the new engine provided increased power. A total of 1,586 Bf 109 G-2s were produced between May and December 1942.
This early "Gustav" variant set the stage for the future development of the Bf 109 family, with a greater focus on engine power and armament and a lesser focus on weight. Consequently, some pilots viewed the new Bf 109 G unfavorably, preferring the F variant's handling and maneuverability. Early Bf 109 G models also had reliability issues with their engines and oil systems, which were especially problematic in the North African desert. These issues were partially addressed by installing a dust filter on the air intake; aircraft equipped in this way were designated tropical variants.
The Bf 109 G-2/trop has been in the game since the beginning of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. It is very similar to its predecessor, the Bf 109 F-4, offering balanced flight performance and effective armament. However, the Gustav is particularly effective in energy fighting and boom-and-zoom attacks thanks to the option of mounting two additional 20 mm MG 151 gun pods, allowing it to avoid prolonged dogfights. Additionally, the aircraft has extra armor protection for the pilot and rear fuel tank, giving it respectable survivability for a fighter of its class.
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| Belt | Belt filling | Armor penetration (mm) at a distance: | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 m | 100 m | 500 m | 1000 m | 1500 m | 2000 m | ||
| IT/IT/APHE/HEI | 21 | 19 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 1 | |
| IT/HEI/HEI/AP-I | 27 | 24 | 14 | 7 | 3 | 2 | |
| AP-I/HEI/HEI/HEI/HEI/IT | 27 | 24 | 14 | 7 | 3 | 2 | |
| APHE/APHE/APHE/IT | 21 | 19 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 1 | |
| FI-T/FI-T/FI-T/IT/IT | 21 | 19 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 1 | |
| HEI/HEI/HEI/APHE/AP-I | 27 | 24 | 14 | 7 | 3 | 2 | |
| Belt | Belt filling | Armor penetration (mm) at a distance: | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 m | 100 m | 500 m | 1000 m | 1500 m | 2000 m | ||
| AP-T/AP-I/AI | 9 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 | |
| AP-T/AP/AI/AP-I | 13 | 12 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 0 | |
| AP-T | 9 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 | |
| AI/AP/AP/AP/AI | 13 | 12 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 0 | |
Flight performance | |
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Survivability |
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Weaponry | ||
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