Difference between revisions of "Bf 109 Z-1"

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{{Specs-Card|code=bf-109z}}
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{{About
 +
| about = German twin-engined fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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| usage = other versions
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| link = Bf 109 (Family)
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}}
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{{Specs-Card
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|code=bf-109z
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
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}}
  
 
== 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.'' -->
 +
With the Allied bombing campaign gaining more and more strength, the demand for a counter was at an all-time high. Other aircraft, like the Me 210, were considered for the role but ultimately a very unique aircraft would be produced: the Bf 109 Z-1 "Zwilling" (German for "twin"). Based on the previous idea of merging two Heinkel He-111 bombers, Messerschmitt engineers fused two Bf 109 airframes together to create one aircraft. Although it had two airframes, one of them would house the pilot, and the other was blocked off, making it a single-seat fighter. The first prototype was called the "Bf 109 Z-0" but was shortly bombed after it was finished. That didn't stop the project, and a year later, the Z-1 was produced and almost ready for tests until it was abruptly cancelled. The Z-1 fused two 109 G-6 airframes and featured high-powered cannons. It was also nicknamed "Sledgehammer" due to its impressive cannon armament.
 +
 
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was introduced as a premium aircraft in [[Update 1.79 "Project X"]]. The Z-1 is an incredibly fast aircraft with a top speed of over 700 km/h (435 mph) and is almost untouchable at high altitudes. Being a twin-engine fighter, dogfighting should not be performed, and players should opt to stick to boom and zoom tactics against enemy fighters. The four 30 mm MK 108 cannons have a high damage output, but they also lack velocity and range. It will be quite hard for players to engage at long range or aim in general due to the abysmal velocity. Players will have to lead a significant amount of rounds to hit on target.
 +
 
 +
The Bf 109 Z-1 was removed from the store after the [[wt:en/news/5865-special-big-war-thunder-birthday-sale-en|War Thunder's 6th Anniversary sale]]. It was briefly made available during the [[wt:en/news/5976-special-shop-war-thunder-winter-sale-en|2018 Winter sale]] and the [[wt:en/news/7710-special-maiden-flight-of-the-bf-109-en|2022 "Maiden flight of the Bf 109"]] event. It was also available after taking the new special quiz during the [[wt:en/news/8667-event-celebrate-christmas-and-the-new-year-in-war-thunder-en|2023 Christmas and New Year celebrations]].
  
 
== 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.''
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{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 +
The Zwilling shares similar characteristics to the American [[F-82E|F-82 ''Twin Mustang'']], which also so happens to be two of the same plane super-sized and put together. However, two of the main differences is the lack of two cockpits and two pilots and a significantly more powerful armament.
 +
 
 +
While being significantly heavier, it is still a Messerschmitt and boasts an above-average manoeuvrability for a heavy fighter and high speed due to its twin DB 605's. However, it is significantly less manoeuvrable against single-engined props that it will face, so it is not recommended to turn fight unless they are considerably less manoeuvrable than you.
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 +
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,500 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
 +
|-
 +
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 +
|-
 +
! Stock
 +
| 688 || 669 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.1 || 24.9 || 16.7 || 16.7 || rowspan="2" | 500
 +
|-
 +
! Upgraded
 +
| 739 || 712 || 22.5 || 23.0 || 25.3 || 20.5
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== Details ====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Features
 +
|-
 +
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 +
|-
 +
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | Limits
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
 +
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 +
|-
 +
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 437 || 408 || 260 || ~10 || ~6
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 +
|-
 +
| < 450 || < 390 || < 450 || > 715
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== 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.''
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{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
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<!-- ''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.'' -->[[File:Bf 109 Z armor.png|435x435px|Armour placement|thumb]]
 +
 
 +
* 8 mm steel - pilot's seat
 +
* 10 mm steel behind and above pilot's head
 +
* 60 mm bulletproof glass in front of pilot
 +
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (1 behind pilot, 1 in right fuselage, 2 in "middle wing", 1 in each wing)
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
 
 +
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 +
=== Offensive armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 +
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 +
[[File:Bf 109 Z shooting down an enemy P-51H-5-NA.png|thumb|Bf 109 Z shooting down an enemy P-51H-5-NA]]
 +
{{main|MK 108 (30 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
 +
* 4 x 30 mm MK 108 cannons; 2x Inline with Nose Props, 2x Exterior Wings (65 rpg = 260 total)
 +
 
 +
The MK 108 is a very bad anti-fighter weapon particularly in fighter to fighter combat. Bullet drop and slow velocity result in a severe difficulty leading shots at ranges above 300 m (350 yds). In dogfights where both aircraft are constantly turning and changing direction, this trait gets even worse. The high speeds of the late props push the necessary lead for hitting the target high and very far in front of the enemy. Training with this weapon system in a custom battle against random enemies is heavily advised.
 +
 
 +
=== Suspended armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 +
<!-- ''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|SC250JA (250 kg)|Flam C 250 incendiary}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 +
 
 +
* Without load
 +
* 1 x 250 kg SC250JA bomb (250 kg total)
 +
* 1 x Flam C 250 incendiary bomb
 +
 
 +
The SC250JA bomb is the only regular type of bomb the Bf 109 Z can carry. It is a weaker bomb compared to the 500 lb (242.6 kg) AN-M64A1, but it still has an acceptable 7-metre armoured vehicle destruction radius. Heavy tanks will be a struggle to destroy with this bomb. However, light and medium tanks will be easy targets to destroy, especially since the bomb is mounted centreline with the aircraft which will make aiming simple.
  
−
== Weaponry ==
+
The 109 Z also has access to the Flam C 250 which is an incendiary type bomb. Incendiary bombs are extremely ineffective against any armoured opponent but can be used against open-top vehicles. Against bases, these bombs will do a significant amount of damage due to the incendiary effect but not much tonnage will be awarded. This bomb is also mounted in the center much like the SC250JA.
−
=== Offensive weaponry ===
 
−
''Describe the offensive weaponry 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.''
 
  
−
=== Suspended weaponry ===
+
== Usage in battles ==
−
''Describe the aircraft's suspended weapons: 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 tactics of playing in the 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).'' -->
 +
The Zwilling sits at a rather uncomfortable spot as a heavy fighter, it's fast in a straight line and it climbs well, however the plane doesn't have much else going for it. You will only win a dogfight to an F-82, you will not stand a chance against single engined fighters and you have to reserve the plane to a very passive playstyle in order to capitalize on the pros of the plane.
  
−
=== Defensive weaponry ===
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However, where the Zwilling really shines is as a bomber interceptor. The large bodies of bombers make it so that the MK 108's drop isn't as problematic, and the off-centre pilot makes it harder for their gunners to land a shot on your pilot. At the start of a match, climb to bomber altitude (4k-6k metres) and start hunting for prey. If all of the bombers have been destroyed, or there weren't any to begin with, you are safe to use it as a Boom-&-Zoomer or an air superiority fighter.
−
''Defensive weaponry with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available remove this subsection.''
 
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
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=== Manual Engine Control ===
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''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).''
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
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|-
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! rowspan="2" | Mixer
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! rowspan="2" | Pitch
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! colspan="3" | Radiator
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! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
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! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 +
|-
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! Oil !! Water !! Type
 +
|-
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| 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
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== 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".''
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<!-- ''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:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Extremely destructive armament mounting the dreaded ''Minengeschoss''
 +
* Quite speedy
 +
* Powerful DB 605s allow it to reach high speeds
 +
* Decent high altitude performance
 +
* Exceptional interceptor
 +
* Solid dive speed
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
 
  
−
== Historical part ==
+
* MK 108s have an extremely slow travel time and drastic bullet drop
−
''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/index.php?title=Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
* Increased weight make it harder to manoeuvre with
 +
* Easy prey for more nimble and heavily armed single-engined fighters
 +
* Sluggish handling at lower speeds and altitudes
 +
* Rudder locks up making aiming virtually impossible at high speeds
 +
* Sluggish roll rate means that trying to hit anyone who is actively manoeuvring is a challenge
 +
* Has a tendency to catch fire when hit due to the fuel tank that is positioned where the other pilot should be
 +
* Gun arrangement makes hitting small targets hard, two guns are mounted in both noses and on the outer wings. This means that the 109Z has one of the biggest spreads on any plane in the game (Could be seen as a pro for attacking bombers)
 +
 
 +
== 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></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).'' -->
 +
With the start of allied bombing campaigns against German strategic targets in 1942, the Luftwaffe was forced to go onto the defensive for the first time in the war. This sudden turn of events sparked an urgent demand for new heavy fighter and interceptor designs that would counter the ever increasing onslaught of allied bombers and their respective escorts. Although the Messerschmitt company was already working on such a new aircraft that would replace the dated Bf 110 - the Me 210 - several problems during development delayed the project's completion. As a result, new versions of the Bf 110 had to be developed to counter the new threat. However, the RLM (German Air Ministry) wasn't content with the creation of even more modifications of the aircraft as they planned to decrease the amount of different variants for all aircraft in service at the time in hopes of addressing logistical problems that strained production. Inspired by the previous He-111 "Zwilling" project, Messerschmitt engineers began work on a similar alternative heavy fighter based on the Bf 109, that could easily be mass produced and offer better performance (in reference speed) than the Bf 110 already in service, whilst at the same time being cheaper to manufacture than newly designed machines.
 +
 
 +
By taking two standard Bf 109Fs from the assembly line and "welding" them together, Messerschmitt engineers created what would become known as the Bf 109Z-0 - the first prototype of the "zwilling" Bf 109. In 1943 however, a bombing raid of one of the Messerschmitt plants near Augsburg led to the destruction of the prototype, cancelling the planned tests. Despite this setback, the engineers kept working on the concept and less than a year later, in spring 1944, a new Z-1 prototype, based off the Bf 109G-6, was created. The second prototype differed from the first one, apart from being based on a later variant of the 109, in the abandoning of rifle-calibre guns in favor of interchangeable large-calibre autocannons, a common trend for late-war German machines. In the end, the project was ultimately cancelled as resource shortages began afflicting the German industry in the final stages of the war and the concept of a twin Bf 109 fighter was abandoned for good.
 +
 
 +
''- From [[wt:en/news/5534-development-messerschmitt-bf-109z-the-teutonic-twin-boom-terror-en|Devblog]]''
  
 
== 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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
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 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=bf-109z Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|INb9VjLxKf0|'''Most unusual aircraft''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 0:34 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}
  
−
== Read also ==
+
== See also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
<!-- ''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.''
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
−
''ETC.''
 
  
−
== Sources ==
+
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
 
 +
* [[SM.92]]
 +
* [[F-82E]]
 +
 
 +
== External links ==
 +
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''page on the Wikipedia;''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
+
 
−
* ''other literature.''
+
* [[wt:en/news/5534-development-messerschmitt-bf-109z-the-teutonic-twin-boom-terror-en|[Devblog] Messerschmitt Bf 109Z: The Teutonic Twin-Boom Terror]]
 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/414734-bf109z/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 +
* [[wikipedia:Messerschmitt_Bf_109_variants|[Wikipedia] Messerschmitt Bf 109 variants]]
 +
 
 +
{{AirManufacturer BFW}}
 +
{{Germany twin-engine fighters}}
 +
{{Germany premium aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 01:45, 29 December 2023

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
This page is about the German twin-engined fighter Bf 109 Z-1. For other versions, see Bf 109 (Family).
Bf 109 Z-1
bf-109z.png
GarageImage Bf 109 Z-1.jpg
Bf 109 Z-1
Germany flag.png Germany
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
4.7 4.7 4.7
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
Show in game

Description

With the Allied bombing campaign gaining more and more strength, the demand for a counter was at an all-time high. Other aircraft, like the Me 210, were considered for the role but ultimately a very unique aircraft would be produced: the Bf 109 Z-1 "Zwilling" (German for "twin"). Based on the previous idea of merging two Heinkel He-111 bombers, Messerschmitt engineers fused two Bf 109 airframes together to create one aircraft. Although it had two airframes, one of them would house the pilot, and the other was blocked off, making it a single-seat fighter. The first prototype was called the "Bf 109 Z-0" but was shortly bombed after it was finished. That didn't stop the project, and a year later, the Z-1 was produced and almost ready for tests until it was abruptly cancelled. The Z-1 fused two 109 G-6 airframes and featured high-powered cannons. It was also nicknamed "Sledgehammer" due to its impressive cannon armament.

The Bf 109 Z-1 was introduced as a premium aircraft in Update 1.79 "Project X". The Z-1 is an incredibly fast aircraft with a top speed of over 700 km/h (435 mph) and is almost untouchable at high altitudes. Being a twin-engine fighter, dogfighting should not be performed, and players should opt to stick to boom and zoom tactics against enemy fighters. The four 30 mm MK 108 cannons have a high damage output, but they also lack velocity and range. It will be quite hard for players to engage at long range or aim in general due to the abysmal velocity. Players will have to lead a significant amount of rounds to hit on target.

The Bf 109 Z-1 was removed from the store after the War Thunder's 6th Anniversary sale. It was briefly made available during the 2018 Winter sale and the 2022 "Maiden flight of the Bf 109" event. It was also available after taking the new special quiz during the 2023 Christmas and New Year celebrations.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 6 500 m712 km/h
Turn time23 s
Max altitude12 600 m
Engine2 х Daimler-Benz DB-605A
TypeInline
Cooling systemWater
Take-off weight8 t

The Zwilling shares similar characteristics to the American F-82 Twin Mustang, which also so happens to be two of the same plane super-sized and put together. However, two of the main differences is the lack of two cockpits and two pilots and a significantly more powerful armament.

While being significantly heavier, it is still a Messerschmitt and boasts an above-average manoeuvrability for a heavy fighter and high speed due to its twin DB 605's. However, it is significantly less manoeuvrable against single-engined props that it will face, so it is not recommended to turn fight unless they are considerably less manoeuvrable than you.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 6,500 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 688 669 12600 24.1 24.9 16.7 16.7 500
Upgraded 739 712 22.5 23.0 25.3 20.5

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 + -
790 360 437 408 260 ~10 ~6
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 450 < 390 < 450 > 715

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural790 km/h
Gear360 km/h
Armour placement
  • 8 mm steel - pilot's seat
  • 10 mm steel behind and above pilot's head
  • 60 mm bulletproof glass in front of pilot
  • Self-sealing fuel tanks (1 behind pilot, 1 in right fuselage, 2 in "middle wing", 1 in each wing)

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB1 245 Sl icon.png
RB4 691 Sl icon.png
SB4 102 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts250 000 Sl icon.png
Aces820 Ge icon.png
Research Aces870 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 80 / 220 / 410 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 160 / 160 / 160 % 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
mk108_belt_pack
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods napalm fire bomb.png
Flamm C 250
Mods pilon bomb.png
SC 250
Mods weapon.png
mk108_new_gun

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 14 x 30 mm MK 108 cannon
Ammunition260 rounds
Fire rate600 shots/min
Bf 109 Z shooting down an enemy P-51H-5-NA
Main article: MK 108 (30 mm)

The Bf 109 Z-1 is armed with:

  • 4 x 30 mm MK 108 cannons; 2x Inline with Nose Props, 2x Exterior Wings (65 rpg = 260 total)

The MK 108 is a very bad anti-fighter weapon particularly in fighter to fighter combat. Bullet drop and slow velocity result in a severe difficulty leading shots at ranges above 300 m (350 yds). In dogfights where both aircraft are constantly turning and changing direction, this trait gets even worse. The high speeds of the late props push the necessary lead for hitting the target high and very far in front of the enemy. Training with this weapon system in a custom battle against random enemies is heavily advised.

Suspended armament

List of setups (2)
Setup 11 x 250 kg SC250JA bomb
Setup 21 x Flam C 250 incendiary bomb
Main articles: SC250JA (250 kg), Flam C 250 incendiary

The Bf 109 Z-1 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 1 x 250 kg SC250JA bomb (250 kg total)
  • 1 x Flam C 250 incendiary bomb

The SC250JA bomb is the only regular type of bomb the Bf 109 Z can carry. It is a weaker bomb compared to the 500 lb (242.6 kg) AN-M64A1, but it still has an acceptable 7-metre armoured vehicle destruction radius. Heavy tanks will be a struggle to destroy with this bomb. However, light and medium tanks will be easy targets to destroy, especially since the bomb is mounted centreline with the aircraft which will make aiming simple.

The 109 Z also has access to the Flam C 250 which is an incendiary type bomb. Incendiary bombs are extremely ineffective against any armoured opponent but can be used against open-top vehicles. Against bases, these bombs will do a significant amount of damage due to the incendiary effect but not much tonnage will be awarded. This bomb is also mounted in the center much like the SC250JA.

Usage in battles

The Zwilling sits at a rather uncomfortable spot as a heavy fighter, it's fast in a straight line and it climbs well, however the plane doesn't have much else going for it. You will only win a dogfight to an F-82, you will not stand a chance against single engined fighters and you have to reserve the plane to a very passive playstyle in order to capitalize on the pros of the plane.

However, where the Zwilling really shines is as a bomber interceptor. The large bodies of bombers make it so that the MK 108's drop isn't as problematic, and the off-centre pilot makes it harder for their gunners to land a shot on your pilot. At the start of a match, climb to bomber altitude (4k-6k metres) and start hunting for prey. If all of the bombers have been destroyed, or there weren't any to begin with, you are safe to use it as a Boom-&-Zoomer or an air superiority fighter.

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

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Extremely destructive armament mounting the dreaded Minengeschoss
  • Quite speedy
  • Powerful DB 605s allow it to reach high speeds
  • Decent high altitude performance
  • Exceptional interceptor
  • Solid dive speed

Cons:

  • MK 108s have an extremely slow travel time and drastic bullet drop
  • Increased weight make it harder to manoeuvre with
  • Easy prey for more nimble and heavily armed single-engined fighters
  • Sluggish handling at lower speeds and altitudes
  • Rudder locks up making aiming virtually impossible at high speeds
  • Sluggish roll rate means that trying to hit anyone who is actively manoeuvring is a challenge
  • Has a tendency to catch fire when hit due to the fuel tank that is positioned where the other pilot should be
  • Gun arrangement makes hitting small targets hard, two guns are mounted in both noses and on the outer wings. This means that the 109Z has one of the biggest spreads on any plane in the game (Could be seen as a pro for attacking bombers)

History

With the start of allied bombing campaigns against German strategic targets in 1942, the Luftwaffe was forced to go onto the defensive for the first time in the war. This sudden turn of events sparked an urgent demand for new heavy fighter and interceptor designs that would counter the ever increasing onslaught of allied bombers and their respective escorts. Although the Messerschmitt company was already working on such a new aircraft that would replace the dated Bf 110 - the Me 210 - several problems during development delayed the project's completion. As a result, new versions of the Bf 110 had to be developed to counter the new threat. However, the RLM (German Air Ministry) wasn't content with the creation of even more modifications of the aircraft as they planned to decrease the amount of different variants for all aircraft in service at the time in hopes of addressing logistical problems that strained production. Inspired by the previous He-111 "Zwilling" project, Messerschmitt engineers began work on a similar alternative heavy fighter based on the Bf 109, that could easily be mass produced and offer better performance (in reference speed) than the Bf 110 already in service, whilst at the same time being cheaper to manufacture than newly designed machines.

By taking two standard Bf 109Fs from the assembly line and "welding" them together, Messerschmitt engineers created what would become known as the Bf 109Z-0 - the first prototype of the "zwilling" Bf 109. In 1943 however, a bombing raid of one of the Messerschmitt plants near Augsburg led to the destruction of the prototype, cancelling the planned tests. Despite this setback, the engineers kept working on the concept and less than a year later, in spring 1944, a new Z-1 prototype, based off the Bf 109G-6, was created. The second prototype differed from the first one, apart from being based on a later variant of the 109, in the abandoning of rifle-calibre guns in favor of interchangeable large-calibre autocannons, a common trend for late-war German machines. In the end, the project was ultimately cancelled as resource shortages began afflicting the German industry in the final stages of the war and the concept of a twin Bf 109 fighter was abandoned for good.

- From Devblog

Media

Skins
Videos
Most unusual aircraft discusses the Bf 109 Z-1 at 0:34 - War Thunder Official Channel

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

External links


Bavarian Aircraft Corporation (BFW*)
Bf 109  Flegel's Bf 109 A · Bf 109 B-1 · Bf 109 C-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 twin-engine fighters
Messerschmitt  Bf 109 Z-1
  Me 410 A-1/U2 · Me 410 B-1/U2
Dornier  Do 17 Z-7 · Do 217 J-1 · Do 217 J-2 · Do 217 N-1 · Do 217 N-2
Focke-Wulf  Ta 154 A-1
Junkers  Ju 88 C-6 · Ju 388 J

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 · FFA P-16 · ◄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 · ◄Su-22M4 WTD61
Bombers  Ar 196 A-3 · BV 238 · Fw 189 A-1 · He 177 A-3 · Ju 87 R-2 Libya · Ju 288 C · ▀Wellington Mk Ic

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