Difference between revisions of "Bf 109 F-4/trop"

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== Description ==
 
== 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.-->
+
<!-- ''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_Bf109F4trop.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
−
[[File:GarageImage Bf109F4trop.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 1.27.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' 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 1.27.
  
 
A very good energy fighter for its tier, 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 would 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.
 
A very good energy fighter for its tier, 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 would 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-4s 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 is not necessarily the most important, the additional MG 151s can mean the difference between a kill or nothing at all.  
+
Unfortunately, the F-4s 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 at least 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 is not necessarily the most important, the additional MG 151s can mean the difference between a kill or nothing at all.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 27: Line 26:
 
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,8000 m)
+
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,800 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
Line 40: Line 39:
 
! RB
 
! RB
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 627 || 619 || 11,6000 || 20.3 || 20.7 || 14.2 || 16.4 || 363
+
| 633 || 618 || {{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 5,800 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,800 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
Line 57: Line 56:
 
! RB
 
! RB
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 688 || 658 || 11,600 || 17.9 || 19.0 || 28 || 20.0 || 363
+
| 683 || 658 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 18.0 || 19.0 || 24.5 || 20 || 363
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 66: Line 65:
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Combat flap
+
! Combat flaps
−
! Take-off flap
+
! Take-off flaps
−
! Landing flap
+
! Landing flaps
 
! Air brakes
 
! Air brakes
 
! Arrestor gear
 
! Arrestor gear
Line 82: Line 81:
 
! 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
 
|-
 
|-
Line 88: Line 87:
 
! -
 
! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 790 || 450 ||460|| ~17 || ~10
+
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 460 || ~12 || ~6
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < 390 || < 390 || < 450 || > 250
+
| < 450 || < 390 || < 450 || > 715
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 115: Line 114:
 
! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 4,950 m || 1,175 hp || 1,322 hp
+
| 4,950 m || 1,175 hp || 1,321 hp
−
|-
 
−
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
−
|-
 
−
! Optimal altitude
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
! WEP Engine power
 
−
|-
 
−
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp  
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 
−
|-
 
−
! Optimal altitude
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
! WEP Engine power
 
−
|-
 
−
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 
−
|- -->
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== 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, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and 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.'' -->
−
 
 
 
* 8 mm Steel - Pilot's seat
 
* 8 mm Steel - Pilot's seat
 
* 10 mm Steel - Pilot's headrest
 
* 10 mm Steel - Pilot's headrest
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== 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/trop is armed with:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' 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)
  
−
* 1 x 20 mm MG 151 cannon (200 rpg)
+
The two machine guns are mounted in the upper fuselage just in front of the pilot and fire through the propeller arc. Each are armed with the same amount of ammunition, which means that both guns will fire with each other until empty.  The 20 mm cannon is mounted in the propeller shaft and fires through the propeller hub.
−
* 2 x 7.92 mm MG 17 machine gun (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
 
−
 
 
−
The two machine guns are mounted in the upper fuselage just in front of the pilot and fire through the propeller arc. Each are armed with the same amount of ammunition, which means that both guns will fire with each other until empty.  The 20 mm cannon is mounted in the propeller shaft and fires through the propeller hub.
 
  
 
=== 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 '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following external ordinance:
+
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 cannon, wing-mounted (125 rpg = 250 total)  
+
* 2 x 15 mm MG 151/15 cannons, wing-mounted (125 rpg = 250 total)
  
 
== Usage in 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 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).-->
+
<!-- ''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 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).'' -->
 +
The tropical version is much like the [[Bf 109 F-4|standard F-4]] variant. New features are engine intake dust filter, a socket for sun-umbrellas and several other accommodations versus particulate matter. While these modifications allowed for prolonged service life in harsh environments like the Russian veld and Libya's desert, it also (marginally) costs top speed and engine performance due to increased air resistance and power diversion for the filtered aspirator, although these are hardly noticeable in combat.
  
−
The tropical version is much like the [[Bf 109 F-4|standard F-4]] variant. New features are engine intake dust filter, a socket for sun-umbrellas and several other accommodations versus particulate matter. While these modifications allowed for prolonged service life in harsh environments like the Russian veld and Libya's desert, it also (marginally) cost top speed and engine performance due to increased air resistance and power diversion for the filtered aspirator. Although these are in combat hardly noticeable.
+
The Bf 109 F-4 is not a great plane when you compare it to the other Tier 3 planes, but it is effective nonetheless. Do not try to kill a plane by coming behind it and giving them all you got, instead, try to scare your prey into a turn by peppering it with your 7.92 mm MG 17's, and then blow its wing off with the cannon. The cannon, unfortunately, fires relatively fast and runs out of ammo pretty quickly, so tail-end kills are hard to achieve.
  
−
The BF-109 F-4 is not a great plane when you compare it to the other Tier 3 planes, but it is effective nonetheless. Do not try to kill a plane by coming behind it and giving them all you got, instead, try to scare your prey into a turn by peppering it with your 7.92 mm MG-17s, and then blow its wing off with the cannon. The cannon, unfortunately, fires relatively fast and runs out of ammo pretty quick, so that's why tail-end kills are hard to achieve.
+
Word to the wise: the F-4 is a fairly good turner for its class; if you are chased by an [[F4U (Family)|F4U]], [[P-51 (Family)|P-51]], [[P-47 (Family)|P-47D]], or [[Typhoon Mk Ib/L|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 the Spitfire. Then, repeat. Do not try to out-climb the Spitfire (community nickname is a ''Spacefire'' for a reason), but try to outrun it in a dive. The [[Spitfire Mk Vc]] is superior to the F-4, avoid it.
−
 
 
−
Word to the wise: the F-4 is a fairly good turner for its class; if you are chased by an F4U, P-51, |P-47D, 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 Spit either runs out of ammo or overshoots you, and then try to dive and outrun the Spit. Then, repeat. Do not try to out-climb the Spitfire (community nickname is a `''Spacefire''´ for a reason), but try to outrun it in a dive. The Spitfire Mk-Vc are superior to the F-4, avoid them.
 
  
 
===Manual Engine Control===
 
===Manual Engine Control===
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! 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
 
! Oil
 
! Water
 
! Water
−
! Type  
+
! Type
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
+
| Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Auto control available || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Auto control available || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Auto control available || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>1 gear || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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===Modules===
 
===Modules===
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
−
! Tier
+
! colspan="1" | Tier
−
! Flight performance
+
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
−
! Survivability
+
! colspan="1" | Survivability
−
! Weaponry
+
! colspan="3" | Weaponry
 
|-
 
|-
 
| I
 
| I
−
| Fuselage Repair, Radiator
+
| Fuselage repair
−
|  
+
| Radiator
−
| Offensive 7 mm, ETC 50/VIIId
+
|
 +
| Offensive
 +
| ETC 50/VIIId
 +
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
| II
 
| II
 +
|
 
| Compressor
 
| Compressor
−
| Air Frame
+
| Airframe
−
| New 7 mm MGs, ETC 500/IXb I, R1 Modification
+
| New 7 mm MGs
 +
| ETC 500/IXb I
 +
| R1 modification
 
|-
 
|-
 
| III
 
| III
−
| Wing Repair, Engine
+
| Wings repair
−
|  
+
| Engine
−
| Offensive 20 mm, Offensive 15 mm
+
|
 +
| Offensive 20 mm
 +
| Offensive 15 mm
 +
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
| IV
 
| IV
−
| Engine
+
|
 +
| Engine injection
 
| Cover
 
| Cover
−
| New 20 mm Cannon, New 15 mm Cannons
+
| New 20 mm cannons
 +
|
 +
| New 15 mm cannons
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
Energy fighters require acceleration, they live and die by it. Therefore most of "flight performance" upgrades are advised: ''Compressor'', ''Engine'' and ''Engine injection''. Meanwhile, the upgrades for the hub-firing 20mm MG 151 should not be forgotten. Upgraded belts (air-target) ASAP!
+
Energy fighters require acceleration, they live and die by it. Therefore most of "flight performance" upgrades are advised: ''Compressor'', ''Engine'' and ''Engine injection''. Meanwhile, the upgrades for the hub-firing 20mm MG 151 should not be forgotten. Upgraded belts (air targets) ASAP!
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!--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".-->
+
<!-- ''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
 
 
* Relatively good armament
 
* Relatively good armament
−
* Relatively good climb rate, though not as good as a Spitfire or a maxed out P-39 Airacobra
+
* Relatively good climb rate, though not as good as a Spitfire or a maxed out [[P-39 (Family)|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 Vc]], [[Yak-3]], and [[La-5]], especially at altitude
 
* Additional armament is good for destroying medium and light tanks with armoured targets belt
 
* Additional armament is good for destroying medium and light tanks with armoured targets belt
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
 
 
* Controls stiffen easily
 
* Controls stiffen easily
 
* Overheats quickly
 
* Overheats quickly
Line 247: Line 237:
  
 
== 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 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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+
''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>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==

Revision as of 15:52, 26 April 2019

Rank 7 USA
F-5C Pack
Bf 109 F-4/trop
bf-109f-4_trop.png
Bf 109 F-4/trop
Germany flag.png Germany
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
4.3 4.0 4.0
Class:
Research:13 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:76 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the German fighter Bf 109 F-4/trop. For other uses, see Bf 109 (Family).

Description

GarageImage Bf 109 F-4trop.jpg


The Bf 109 F-4/trop is a rank III German fighter with a battle rating of 4.3 (AB) and 4.0 (RB/SB). This fighter has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.

A very good energy fighter for its tier, 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 would 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-4s 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 at least 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 is not necessarily the most important, the additional MG 151s can mean the difference between a kill or nothing at all.

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 5,800 m) 		Max altitude
(meters) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
633 618 11600 20.0 20.7 16.4 16.4 363
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at 5,800 m) 		Max altitude
(meters) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
683 658 11600 18.0 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 1,175 hp 1,321 hp

Survivability and armour

  • 8 mm Steel - Pilot's seat
  • 10 mm Steel - Pilot's headrest
  • 6 mm Steel - behind the fuel tank
  • 60 mm Bulletproof glass

Armaments

Offensive armament

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

The Bf 109 F-4/trop 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)

The two machine guns are mounted in the upper fuselage just in front of the pilot and fire through the propeller arc. Each are armed with the same amount of ammunition, which means that both guns will fire with each other until empty. The 20 mm cannon is mounted in the propeller shaft and fires through the propeller hub.

Suspended armament

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

The Bf 109 F-4/trop 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 (125 rpg = 250 total)

Usage in battles

The tropical version is much like the standard F-4 variant. New features are engine intake dust filter, a socket for sun-umbrellas and several other accommodations versus particulate matter. While these modifications allowed for prolonged service life in harsh environments like the Russian veld and Libya's desert, it also (marginally) costs top speed and engine performance due to increased air resistance and power diversion for the filtered aspirator, although these are hardly noticeable in combat.

The Bf 109 F-4 is not a great plane when you compare it to the other Tier 3 planes, but it is effective nonetheless. Do not try to kill a plane by coming behind it and giving them all you got, instead, try to scare your prey into a turn by peppering it with your 7.92 mm MG 17's, and then blow its wing off with the cannon. The cannon, unfortunately, fires relatively fast and runs out of ammo pretty quickly, so tail-end kills are hard to achieve.

Word to the wise: the F-4 is a fairly good turner for its class; if you are chased by an F4U, P-51, P-47D, 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 the Spitfire. Then, repeat. Do not try to out-climb the Spitfire (community nickname is a Spacefire for a reason), but try to outrun it in a dive. The Spitfire Mk Vc is superior to the F-4, avoid it.

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 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

Energy fighters require acceleration, they live and die by it. Therefore most of "flight performance" upgrades are advised: Compressor, Engine and Engine injection. Meanwhile, the upgrades for the hub-firing 20mm MG 151 should not be forgotten. Upgraded belts (air targets) ASAP!

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Nimble compared to Russian and American counterparts
  • Relatively good armament
  • Relatively good climb rate, though not as good as a Spitfire or a maxed out P-39 Airacobra
  • Good sustained turn
  • Faster than most opponents, such as the Spitfire Mk Vc, Yak-3, and La-5, especially at altitude
  • Additional armament is good for destroying medium and light tanks with armoured targets belt

Cons:

  • Controls stiffen easily
  • Overheats quickly
  • Additional armament can reduce performance critically
  • Poor cockpit visibility
  • Prone to catching fire in a chase with a bomber
  • Cannon is not at all effective against bombers
  • Gunpods can't load stealth belts, thus giving the user away in a surprise attack.

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 === Encyclopedia Info ===, also if applicable).

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

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

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