Difference between revisions of "Bf 109 E-4"
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| − | The '''Bf 109 E-4''' is a Rank II German fighter with a battle rating of 3.0 (AB/SB) and 2.7 (SB). It was introduced in [[Update_1.53_"Firestorm"|Update 1.53 "Firestorm"]]. The differences from its [[Bf 109 E-3|predecessor]] are little in quantity, though they have a drastic effect | + | The '''Bf 109 E-4''' is a Rank II German fighter with a battle rating of 3.0 (AB/SB) and 2.7 (SB). It was introduced in [[Update_1.53_"Firestorm"|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 installment of Mg FF/M cannons with minengeschoße. |
| − | After having played both the [[Bf 109 E-1|''E-1'']] and [[Bf 109 E-3|''E-3'']], players will rejoice upon unlocking the ''E-4''. While essentially the same plane, the E-4 overcomes the inadequate MgFF with MgFF/M, featuring the fantastic | + | After having played both the [[Bf 109 E-1|''E-1'']] and [[Bf 109 E-3|''E-3'']], players will rejoice upon unlocking the ''E-4''. While essentially the same plane, the E-4 overcomes the inadequate MgFF with MgFF/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-25| | + | 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-25|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 == | == General info == | ||
=== Flight Performance === | === Flight Performance === | ||
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=== 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| | + | {{main|SC50JA (50 kg)|SC250JA (250 kg)}} |
The Bf 109 E-4 can be outfitted with the following ordinance: | The Bf 109 E-4 can be outfitted with the following ordinance: | ||
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== Usage in the battles == | == Usage in the 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 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).''--> | ||
| − | The main armament is identical to that of the [[Bf 109 E-3|''Bf 109 E-3'']]. However, there is one critical difference. The [[MG FF/M]] can fire | + | The main armament is identical to that of the [[Bf 109 E-3|''Bf 109 E-3'']]. However, there is one critical difference. The [[MG FF/M]] can fire minengeschoss shells. Minengeschoss have thin shells, 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. |
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 refueling/restocking at the base. The bomb load is nowhere near large enough to make a fighter bombing trip worth it. | 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 refueling/restocking at the base. The bomb load is nowhere near large enough to make a fighter bombing trip worth it. | ||
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<!--Specific methods of play in different situations, label the methods with pros and cons (if possible) based on vehicle's performances (i.e. Me 262 playing as a fighter or anti-bomber)--> | <!--Specific methods of play in different situations, label the methods with pros and cons (if possible) based on vehicle's performances (i.e. Me 262 playing as a fighter or anti-bomber)--> | ||
[[File:Cockpit_Bf109e3.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Click to enlarge]] | [[File:Cockpit_Bf109e3.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Click to enlarge]] | ||
| − | Just as the with the [[Bf 109 E-1|''E-1'']], new players should adopt a hit and run tactic with the Bf 109s (also known as Boom and Run). While often called a Boom & Zoom aircraft, the 109s are not dedicated Boom | + | Just as the with the [[Bf 109 E-1|''E-1'']], new players should adopt a hit and run tactic with the Bf 109s (also known as Boom and Run). While often called a Boom & Zoom aircraft, the 109s are not dedicated Boom & Zoomers, and many other aircraft such as the Fw 190 do it much better. While it is true that a pure Boom and Zooming approach can be used for the 109s, limiting oneself to this enormously undermines plane efficiency. That said, the 109s do build up speed quickly 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, and dash 280 km/h). Doing so will often give the player the maximum speed or altitude advantage they can have over their 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|''energy fighting'']] abilities of the Bf 109 E-4 come to the forefront. Fluid and speedy transitions between altitude and speed, together with well-timed uses of flaps, throttle and maneuvers, enable the Emil to quickly change an engagement to its favour. | With mounting experience on the side of the player, the [[Energy fighting|''energy fighting'']] abilities of the Bf 109 E-4 come to the forefront. Fluid and speedy transitions between altitude and speed, together with well-timed uses of flaps, throttle and maneuvers, enable the Emil to quickly change an engagement to its favour. | ||
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'''Pros:''' | '''Pros:''' | ||
| − | * Good acceleration | + | * Good acceleration |
| − | * Good rate of climb | + | * Good rate of climb |
| − | * Good continuous turn rate | + | * Good continuous turn rate |
| − | * Good roll rate | + | * Good roll rate |
| − | * Good sustained turn rate | + | * Good sustained turn rate |
| − | * Plenty of LMG ammo | + | * Plenty of LMG ammo |
| − | * Fairly good MG FF/M cannons in steady hands, ideal for Boom & Zoom | + | * Fairly good MG FF/M cannons in steady hands, ideal for Boom & Zoom |
| − | * Can perform negative G maneuvres | + | * Can perform negative G maneuvres |
| − | * Better cockpit visibility than [[Bf 109 F-4|Bf 109Fs]] | + | * Better cockpit visibility than [[Bf 109 F-4|Bf 109Fs]] |
'''Cons:''' | '''Cons:''' | ||
| − | * Less than average instantaneous turn rate | + | * Less than average instantaneous turn rate |
| − | * Control stiffening above 400 IAS (kph) | + | * Control stiffening above 400 IAS (kph) |
| − | * Low cannon ammo | + | * Low cannon ammo |
| − | * Weak low-velocity cannons compared to [[Hispano]], [[MG 151/20 (20 mm)|MG 151/20]], etc | + | * Weak low-velocity cannons compared to [[Hispano]], [[MG 151/20 (20 mm)|MG 151/20]], etc |
| − | * Relatively poor durability | + | * Relatively poor durability |
| − | * Harsh matchmaking | + | * Harsh matchmaking |
| − | * Thicker cockpit framing than the E-3 with armoured glass frame | + | * Thicker cockpit framing than the E-3 with armoured glass frame |
== History == | == History == | ||
Revision as of 16:14, 4 January 2019
Contents
|
This page is about the aircraft Bf 109 E-4. For other uses, see Bf 109 (Disambiguation) |
Description
The Bf 109 E-4 is a Rank II German fighter with a battle rating of 3.0 (AB/SB) and 2.7 (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 installment 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 MgFF with MgFF/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
| Characteristics | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock | |||||||
| Max Speed (km/h at 5,000 m) |
Max altitude (meters) |
Turn time (seconds) |
Rate of climb (meters/second) |
Take-off run (meters) | |||
| AB | RB | AB | RB | AB | RB | ||
| 554 | ?543 | 11,000 | 23.3 | 27.7 | 11.8 | 14.0 | 390 |
| Upgraded | |||||||
| Max Speed (km/h at 5,000 m) |
Max altitude (meters) | Turn time (seconds) | Rate of climb (meters/second) |
Take-off run (meters) | |||
| AB | RB | AB | RB | AB | RB | ||
| 604 | 580 | 11,000 | 19.7 | 21.0 | 26.5 | 17.8 | 390 |
Details
| Features | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combat flap | Take-off flap | Landing flap | Air brakes | Arrestor gear |
| ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X | X |
| Limits | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wing-break speed (km/h) |
Gear limit (km/h) |
Combat flap (km/h) |
Max Static G | |
| + | - | |||
| 789 | 320 | 500 | ~12 | ~10 |
| Optimal velocities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ailerons (km/h) |
Rudder (km/h) |
Elevators (km/h) |
Radiator (km/h) |
| < 370 | < 370 | < 420 | > 250 |
| 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
- 10 mm Steel plate behind seat
- 10 mm Steel plate head rest
- No armour glazing
- Critical components located at front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
Armaments
Offensive armament
The Bf 109 E-4 is armed with:
- 2 x 20 mm MG FF/M cannon, wing-mounted (60 rpg = 120 total)
- 2 x 7.92 mm MG 17 machine gun, nose-mounted (1,000 rpg = 2,000 total)
The two canons are mounted with one in each wing where as the two machine guns are mounted in the upper fuselage just in front of the cockpit.
Suspended armament
The Bf 109 E-4 can be outfitted with the following ordinance:
- Without load
- 4 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (200 kg total)
- 1 x 250 kg SC250JA bomb (250 kg total)
Usage in the battles
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. Minengeschoss have thin shells, 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.
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 refueling/restocking at the base. The bomb load is nowhere near large enough to make a fighter bombing trip worth it.
The DB 601N provides its maximum performance around 2000 m to 5000 m (6500 ft to 16500 ft respectively) and comes with WEP, providing +150 hp upon activation. The boost will last about one minute from a cooled engine.
Tactics
Just as the with the E-1, new players should adopt a hit and run tactic with the Bf 109s (also known as Boom and Run). While often called a Boom & Zoom aircraft, the 109s are not dedicated Boom & Zoomers, and many other aircraft such as the Fw 190 do it much better. While it is true that a pure Boom and Zooming approach can be used for the 109s, limiting oneself to this enormously undermines plane efficiency. That said, the 109s do build up speed quickly 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, and dash 280 km/h). Doing so will often give the player the maximum speed or altitude advantage they can have over their 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-4 come to the forefront. Fluid and speedy transitions between altitude and speed, together with well-timed uses of flaps, throttle and maneuvers, enable the Emil to quickly change an engagement to its favour.
When firing at enemies, be aware that your 20 mm cannons only hold a 60 round drum magazine each. They empty quickly, and many a new pilot has seen themselves on pitifully low ammunition after only one attack run. Once you empty your cannons, the E-4 will be hard-pressed to secure a kill. 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-4 holds 1000 rounds in each of its two MG 17s. Use these if you are inclined to spray and pray or are about to engage ground targets.
Counter-tactics
Engaging the Bf 109 E-4 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 tier, 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.
Manual Engine Control
| MEC elements | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mixer | Pitch | Radiator | Supercharger | Turbocharger | ||
| Oil | Water | Type | ||||
| Controllable | Not controllable | Not controllable | Not controllable | Separate | Not ontrollable | 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 |
| III | Wing Repair, Engine | Offensive 20 mm, ETC 500/IXb | |
| IV | Engine Injection | Cover | New 20 mm Cannons |
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Good acceleration
- Good rate of climb
- Good continuous turn rate
- Good roll rate
- Good sustained turn rate
- Plenty of LMG ammo
- Fairly good MG FF/M cannons in steady hands, ideal for Boom & Zoom
- Can perform negative G maneuvres
- Better cockpit visibility than Bf 109Fs
Cons:
- Less than average instantaneous turn rate
- Control stiffening above 400 IAS (kph)
- Low cannon ammo
- 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 E-4 was used extensively in `Operation Barbarossa´ (invasion of the U.S.S.R.), it was eventually replaced by the Friedrich. Old machines remained in use by other Axis nations, such as Romania and Hungary.
Media
An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.
Read also
- Radinger, Willy & Otto, Wolfgang, Messerschmit Me 109 - Das meistgebaute Jagdflugzeug der Welt - Entwicklung, Erprobung, Technik - Bf 109A bis 109K, Aviatic Verlag, Oberhachingen: 2011
- "Falcon's Messerschmitt Bf 109 Hangar" Bf 109E subpage
- English Wikipedia: "Messerschmitt Bf 109 variants – Bf 109 E"
- "Performance Information Bf 109E"
Sources
Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:
- topic on the official game forum;
- page on aircraft encyclopedia;
- 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 |
