Difference between revisions of "Bf 109 F-4"

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Latest revision as of 20:55, 2 September 2024

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This page is about the German fighter Bf 109 F-4. For other versions, see Bf 109 (Family).

Bf 109 F-4

Bf 109 F-2

Bf 109 F-4/trop

360://https://wiki.warthunder.com/images/d/dd/Cockpit_bf-109f-4.jpg

Bf 109 F-4

AB	RB	SB
4.3	4.0	4.0

Class:

Fighter

Research:18 000

Purchase:47 000

Show in game

Description

Dogfights over the English channel showed the Spitfire Mk. V outperforming the Bf 109 E at the time and led to the Bf 109 F series. The Bf 109 F "Franz" series was a significant improvement over the Bf 109 E. It featured the DB 601 E engine, which boasted an over 25% increase in power. The F-4 was also fitted with the MG 151/20 cannon, which was a 20 mm cannon that could fire a variety of shells. It was mounted through the propeller hub, so it didn't need to be synchronized with the prop, which would've most likely lowered the rate of fire. Over 1,800 F-4s were built, ranging from the regular fighter version (F-4) to reconnaissance variants like the F-4/R3. The Bf 109 F-4 also largely solved the issue with the Spitfire Mk. V having a performance edge over 109s.

The Bf 109 F-4 has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. Much like in real life, the F-4 is a substantial improvement over previous 109s. The DB 601 E engine greatly increases the 109 F-4's capability as a fighter and can easily out-climb many American aircraft, like the P-47D-25 and P-51D-5. However, it is still quite a draggy aircraft, and the previously mentioned fighters can easily keep up with it. Furthermore, the MG 151 cannon has relatively low velocity, which can be difficult for new players to aim and lead well with. Although the DB 601 E provides a substantial power increase, it still has the same overheating issue as earlier Franz variants. Constant WEP usage is not recommended, as it can greatly heat-soak the engine and make it difficult to utilize maximum power after some time. Manual engine control is highly advised.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed

at 6 000 m665 km/h

Turn time19 s

Max altitude11 600 m

EngineDaimler-Benz DB-601E

TypeInline

Cooling systemWater

Take-off weight3 t

In the hands of a good pilot and employing energy fighting tactics this aircraft can outfly and outmanoeuvre most of the prop planes it faces even at higher battle ratings during up-tier situations due to its low energy loss in turns, high acceleration, high sustained climb rate and low stall speed. It is slower than the later model 109s but it has a better turn rate. The Bf 109 can fly very well at the deck and at high altitude making it a complete energy fighter.

Characteristics	Max Speed (km/h at 6,000 m)		Max altitude (metres)	Turn time (seconds)		Rate of climb (metres/second)		Take-off run (metres)
Characteristics	AB	RB	Max altitude (metres)	AB	RB	AB	RB	Take-off run (metres)
Stock	641	624	11600	20.0	20.7	16.4	16.4	363
Upgraded	691	665	11600	18.1	19.0	24.5	20.0	363

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
Wings (km/h)	Gear (km/h)	Combat	Take-off	Landing	+	-
790	360	437	408	260	~13	~6

Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons	Rudder	Elevators	Radiator
< 450	< 390	< 450	> 715

Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude	100% Engine power	WEP Engine power
4,950 m	1,185 hp	1,333 hp

Engine performance

Engine
Engine Name			Number present
Daimler-Benz DB-601E 12-cylinder			1
Engine characteristics
Weight (each)		Type	Cooling
610 kg		Inline	Water
Engine power (Stock)
Mode	Max		Take-off
Arcade	1,065 hp		1,212 hp
Realistic/Simulator	1,053 hp		1,200 hp
Engine power (Upgraded)
Mode	Max		Take-off
Arcade	1,305 hp		1,452 hp
Realistic/Simulator	1,170 hp		1,318 hp

WEP Duration
Arcade		Realistic/Simulator
25 seconds		Infinite

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person

Speed of destruction

Structural790 km/h

Gear360 km/h

60mm Bulletproof glass
8mm Steel - Pilot's seat
10mm Steel - Pilot's head rest
8mm Steel - Rear fuel tank plate

The Bf 109 F-4, although a small plane, is a sturdy plane that can survive a lot of damage and retain much of its manoeuvrability when damaged. Its self-sealing fuel tanks increase the chance to put out a fire.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference

AB855 → 1 098

RB1 934 → 2 485

SB2 850 → 3 662

Total cost of modifications19 600

32 400

Talisman cost980

Crew training13 000

Experts47 000

Aces400

Research Aces280 000

Reward for battleAB / RB / SB

50 / 130 / 270 %

136 / 136 / 136 %

Modifications

Flight performance

Survivability

Weaponry

Fuselage repair Research: 790 Cost: 1 300 110	Radiator Research: 790 Cost: 1 300 110
Compressor Research: 890 Cost: 1 500 120
Wings repair Research: 1 200 Cost: 2 000 165	Engine Research: 1 200 Cost: 2 000 165
Engine injection Research: 1 600 Cost: 2 600 220

Airframe

Research:

890

Cost:

1 500

120

Cover

Research:

1 600

Cost:

2 600

220

Flamm C 250 Research: 790 Cost: 1 300 110	mg_belt_pack Research: 790 Cost: 1 300 110	SC 50 Research: 790 Cost: 1 300 110
R1 modification Research: 890 Cost: 1 500 120	mg17_new_gun Research: 890 Cost: 1 500 120	SC 250 Research: 890 Cost: 1 500 120
mg15115_belt_pack Research: 1 200 Cost: 2 000 165	mg15120_belt_pack Research: 1 200 Cost: 2 000 165
mg15115_new_gun Research: 1 600 Cost: 2 600 220	mg15120_new_gun Research: 1 600 Cost: 2 600 220

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 120 mm MG 151 cannon

Ammunition200 rounds

Fire rate700 shots/min

Weapon 22 x 7.92 mm MG 17 machine gun

Ammunition1 000 rounds

Fire rate1 200 shots/min

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

The Bf 109 F-4 is armed with:

1 x 20 mm MG 151 cannon, nose-mounted (200 rpg)
2 x 7.92 mm MG 17 machine guns, nose-mounted (500 rpg = 1,000 total)

Suspended armament

List of setups (4)

Setup 14 x 50 kg SC50JA bomb

Setup 21 x 250 kg SC250JA bomb

Setup 31 x Flam C 250 incendiary bomb

Setup 42 x 15 mm MG 151 cannon (secondary) (ammunition: 250 rounds)

Main articles: SC50JA (50 kg), SC250JA (250 kg), MG 151 (15 mm), Flam C 250 incendiary

The Bf 109 F-4 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 cannons, wing-mounted (gunpods) (125 rpg = 250 total)
1 x Flam C 250 incendiary bomb

Usage in battles

The Bf 109 F-4's instrument panel.

Arcade Battles:

The Bf 109 F-4 performs at its best when used as an energy fighter. Its flight performance is impressive up to 6,000 m then decreases, so at the beginning of the match, you can outclimb most of the other planes at its rank and then energy fight them in the vertical Boom & Zooming from above. Its low stall speed and ability to prop hang even at less than 100 km/h at more than 40 degrees for many seconds makes it an ideal aircraft for spiral turns and snapshots. Bf 109's good turn rate and roll rate allows it to turn fight not only US planes but also Lavochkins and Spitfires which lose their energy at their first turn. If you engage in a dogfight with a superior turn fighter you can still out turn him by creating some separation and using frontal barrel rolls until the other plane turn by turn loses enough energy and finally its turning ability. It is not recommended to turn-fight Japanese planes or Yak fighters; if engaged on a turn-fight go to the vertical and use the spiral climb stall technique. The high acceleration, turn rate, climb rate, excellent stall characteristics, at all altitudes makes it a wonder to fly. All this gets significantly reduced when gondolas are added on. The 20 mm MG 151 cannon when used with Air targets belt that have a significant amount of Minengeschoß filled shells and is devastating which can be used for a precise fake out head-on or precise long-distance shots allowing you to start shooting as far out as 2 km.

Arcade with joystick: Although the plane still has a yaw wobble, it is low and can be mitigated with Realistic controls. You can set yaw non-linearity to 3.8 adding some dead zone and decreasing multiplier to stiffen and reducing the wobble. The pitch and roll work well and give good controllability.

Realistic Battles:

A very good energy fighter for its rank, the Bf 109 F-4 can out climb most opponents due to its high power to weight ratio. However, use of WEP must be limited or else the engine will 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-4's 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 are not necessarily most important, the additional MG 151's can mean the difference between a kill or nothing at all.

The Bf 109 F-4 is not a great plane when compared to the other Rank 3 planes, but it is effective nonetheless. Do not try to kill a plane by coming behind it and giving them all you got- you don't have much. 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.

Word to the wise: the F-4 is a fairly good turner for its class; if you are chased by a F4U, P-51, P-47D, F6F or Typhoon, turn and destroy. The flaps give the F-4 an exceptionally tight turning radius. Combat flaps can be deployed at speeds up to 437 km/h, while takeoff and landing flaps up to 408 and 260 respectively. With flaps deployed, the Bf 109 F-4 has tighter turn radius than almost any fighter it can face bar Spitfires and Zeroes (it can even keep up with a Yak-3 provided the fight is a contest of radius and not rate), and thus excels at scissoring fights. Be advised though, the flaps react extremely slowly to commands and if you accelerate rapidly, you may lose them; and the manoeuvrability of the Bf 109 F-4 without flaps is unimpressive. 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 it. Then, repeat. Do not try to out-climb the Spitfire, but try to outrun it in a dive. The Spitfire Mk Vc is superior to the F-4, so avoid them.

It is important to note the distinction between a rate fight and a radius fight. The flaps of the Bf 109 F-4 produce a significant amount of drag, reducing the sustained rate of turn while tightening the turn radius.

Simulator Battles:

In Simulator, the Bf 109 F-4 is quite a friendly fighter that can perform many tasks. It offers great flight performance with its smooth handling, adequate speed, and impressive climb rate and turn rate. Its nose-mounted armaments do not require any convergence settings, making it very easy to aim. The nose gently slopes down from the windscreen, offering great over-the-nose vision. There are also a few bomb options to choose from which are beneficial for ground-pounding or base-bombing, although these are not its primary objectives. However, the Friedrich does have rather limited cockpit view obstructed by its numerous canopy frames. Rear view is significantly worse as a solid armour plate headset is added, preventing the pilot from seeing what is behind which can sometimes be fatal. It also behaves poorly during takeoffs due to its torquey engine.

Bring at least 30 minutes of fuel for prolonged patrolling and fighting. The convergence does not really matter, it might be anywhere between 250-600 m. Depending on the task you wish to complete (eg destroy enemy attackers), gunpods can be helpful, if available. Although they slightly worsen the flight performance, that extra burst mass can be the difference between a "Hit" and "Aircraft destroyed". Finally, you can set keys for vertical head movement, as lifting up your head a little helps improving the over-the-nose visibility.

Taking off in a Bf 109 F is considerably harder than a lot other aircraft. When taking off, the Bf 109 will shift severely to the left side due to the huge torque, so consider setting keybinds for left and right brakes, as they are more effective at directional control than the rudder while on the ground. As the plane is just lifting off the ground it will start rolling to the left due to the torque, so you must immediately roll a little right to keep it level, or the left wingtip will strike the ground.

Dogfighting in SB involves everyday RB tactics. Utilise common manoeuvres such as Immelmann, Split-S, scissor, barrel roll, etc. The 200-round magazine of the Bf 109 F-4 does allow you to fire slightly longer bursts at slightly longer distances, but getting close until the target fills up the reticle is still a good choice. Note: the Bf 109 handles very sluggishly in the roll axis at low speed, so take this into account if dogfighting at low speed/altitude. You can even pull the elevator fully for maximum agility, but only if you pull gently and gradually will the 109 manoeuvre as you wish. If maximum elevator input is harsh and sudden, the plane will start swaying around and enter a flat spin. The aircraft can quite easily recover from a flat spin by fully deflecting elevators downward and rudder to the opposite side of which the plane is spinning, and wait until it starts a dive and gather some speed to pull up.

If you want to engage heavy aircraft, it is best to bring the 15 mm gun pods to maximise your damage output. However relying solely on the one MG151 cannon might also work, but that requires more professional evading, aiming, and a few more shots. Against well-armed targets (e.g. B-25) you should perform deflection shots to minimise the time you are exposed to their gunners, whereas against well-armoured aircraft with average/no defensive firepower (e.g. early IL-2), tailing them may get the job done quicker. With the powerful mineshells, 1-3 passes are enough to destroy any aircraft.

Landing may need practice for some. It is easy at first: decelerate and descent towards the runway, deploy combat, takeoff, landing flaps and gears in order, fly at ~200 km/h before touchdown. If the plane bounces up with landing flaps, use takeoff/combat flaps instead to reduce lift. Note that you must align the plane with the airstrip correctly prior to touchdown and do not yaw/break one side too much when breaking, as the main landing gears are so close together that they cannot support such sideways force, causing the plane to wobble dangerously or even tilt towards one side, striking a wingtip into the ground.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer	Pitch	Radiator			Supercharger	Turbocharger
Mixer	Pitch	Oil	Water	Type	Supercharger	Turbocharger
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:

Nimble, compared to Soviet and American counterparts
Lethal 20 mm Minengeschoss shells available
Relatively good climb rate, possibly as good as a Spitfire or a maxed-out P-39 Airacobra
Good sustained turn
Faster than most opponents, such as the Spitfire Mk V, Yak-3, and La-5, especially at altitude
Good performance at medium altitudes
Better than the F-4 tropical variant due to higher engine power
All weaponry mounted in the nose, allowing easy aiming without having to worry about convergence
Flaps tighten turn radius significantly, can win duels against most planes that aren't turnfighters

Cons:

Overheats quickly
Additional armament can critically reduce performance, especially in a dogfight
Poor cockpit visibility
Gun pods can't load stealth belts, reducing the element of surprise
Turns sluggishly at speeds under 190 km/h
Priority target when in AB mode due to its reputation of destroying planes with relative ease, especially when equipped with MG 151/15 gun pods in addition to the offensive armament of MG 17 machine gun and MG 151/20 cannon, smart players will try to eliminate the Bf 109 F-4 first.
Gun pods have low ammo count, compared to the 20 mm MG 151 gun pods accessible to the G-2 variant
For Sim, the numerous canopy frames and razorback greatly limit the all-round view, and huge engine torque causes severe turning when taking off
Flaps react slowly, require some practice to use

History

In real life the flight characteristics of this plane were remarkable, the F model is considered the pinnacle of Bf 109 development, having the nicest flying characteristics of all versions. It has empty weight of 2,390 kg, and a gross weight of 2,900 kg. Powered by a 1,350 hp the Daimler-Benz DB 601E inverted-vee engine the BF 109 F4 had a power to weight ratio of a giving of 0,46. It reaches a maximum speed of 624 km/h (388 mph) and an impressive rate of climb of 3,000 m (9,845 ft)/2.6 min. It also had a high ceiling of 12,000 m (39,375 ft), but a low range of combat of 850 km (530 mi) with a drop tank limiting its usefulness as a local high altitude interceptor. In real life this plane although impressive had its limitations, it could do well vs any allied fighter below 6,000 m and above 3,000 m. It could out turn a P-51D and out-climb it but it could not out zoom climb, outrun or out dive a P-51D or a P-47D at high altitude. We have to remember that the Franz (F version of 109) appeared because the Spitfire MK.V was performing better than the Emil version the BF 109 E in the cross Channel duels after the Battle of Britain. The F version regained the edge over the Spitfire MK V at high altitudes. The 109 faced in the first year of the Soviet invasion a massive score as they faced outdated soviet aeroplanes like the I-16s but also performed well against the Lagg-3s and Yaks-1. The F model improved in power and speed on the G1 Gustav version with a 1,475 hp DB 605A Engine entering combat on July 1942 but it had not improved handling characteristics over the F model.

Archive of the in-game description

The Messerschmitt Bf 109 was a single-seat monoplane fighter used by the Luftwaffe before and during WWII. It was used as a fighter, interceptor, high-altitude interceptor, fighter-bomber and reconnaissance aircraft.

The Bf 109 F variant, or "Friedrich", was a replacement for the Emil. Friedrich reached front-line units in the Autumn of 1941 and, by the middle of the following year, almost two-thirds of Luftwaffe fighter regiments were equipped with the variant.

Media

Skins

Skins and camouflages for the Bf 109 F-4 from live.warthunder.com.

Videos

The Shooting Range #224 - Pages of History section at 03:53 discusses allied efforts to capture the Bf 109 F-4.

Realistic: Bf 109 F-4 [German Engineering at its Best]" - Jengar

External links

Official data sheet - more details about the performance

*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 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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Difference between revisions of "Bf 109 F-4"

Latest revision as of 20:55, 2 September 2024

Contents

Description

General info

Flight performance

Details

Engine performance

Survivability and armour

Modifications and economy

Armaments

Offensive armament

Suspended armament

Usage in battles

Manual Engine Control

Pros and cons

History

Media

See also

External links

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{About
+| about = German fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
+| usage = other versions
+| link = Bf 109 (Family)
+}}
 {{Specs-Card
 |code=bf-109f-4
+|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 |cockpit=cockpit_bf-109f-4.jpg
-}}
-{{About
-| about = German fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
-| other
-| usage-1 = the American version
-| link-1 = Bf 109 F-4 (USA)
-| usage-2 = other versions
-| link-2 = Bf 109 (Family)
 }}
 == 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.'' -->
-[[File:GarageImage_Bf109F-4.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+Dogfights over the English channel showed the Spitfire Mk. V outperforming the Bf 109 E at the time and led to the Bf 109 F series. The Bf 109 F "Franz" series was a significant improvement over the Bf 109 E. It featured the DB 601 E engine, which boasted an over 25% increase in power. The F-4 was also fitted with the [[MG 151 (20 mm)|MG 151/20]] cannon, which was a 20 mm cannon that could fire a variety of shells. It was mounted through the propeller hub, so it didn't need to be synchronized with the prop, which would've most likely lowered the rate of fire. Over 1,800 F-4s were built, ranging from the regular fighter version (F-4) to reconnaissance variants like the F-4/R3. The Bf 109 F-4 also largely solved the issue with the Spitfire Mk. V having a performance edge over 109s.
-{{break}}
-The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.
+The '''{{Specs|name}}''' has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. Much like in real life, the F-4 is a substantial improvement over previous 109s. The DB 601 E engine greatly increases the 109 F-4's capability as a fighter and can easily out-climb many American aircraft, like the [[P-47D-25]] and [[P-51D-5]]. However, it is still quite a draggy aircraft, and the previously mentioned fighters can easily keep up with it. Furthermore, the MG 151 cannon has relatively low velocity, which can be difficult for new players to aim and lead well with. Although the DB 601 E provides a substantial power increase, it still has the same overheating issue as earlier [[Bf 109 (Family)|Franz variants]]. Constant WEP usage is not recommended, as it can greatly heat-soak the engine and make it difficult to utilize maximum power after some time. Manual engine control is highly advised.
 == 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.''-->
+{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
-Arcade Mode: BF 109 F4 is currently one of the best planes of the game. In the hands of a good pilot and employing energy fighting tactics this aircraft can outfly and outmanoeuvre most of the prop planes it faces even at higher battle ratings during up-tier situations due to its low energy loss in turns, high acceleration, high sustained climb rate and low stall speed. It is slower than 109 G2, G6, G10 or K4 but it has a better turn rate. The Bf 109 can fly very well at the deck and at high altitude making it a complete energy fighter.
+<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
+In the hands of a good pilot and employing energy fighting tactics this aircraft can outfly and outmanoeuvre most of the prop planes it faces even at higher battle ratings during up-tier situations due to its low energy loss in turns, high acceleration, high sustained climb rate and low stall speed. It is slower than the later model 109s but it has a better turn rate. The Bf 109 can fly very well at the deck and at high altitude making it a complete energy fighter.
-{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
-|-
+! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
-! colspan="8" | Characteristics
-|-
-! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
-|-
 ! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,000 m)
-! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
+! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 ! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
-! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
+! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
-! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
+! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
 |-
 ! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 |-
-| 641 || 624 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.0 || 20.7 || 16.4 || 16.4 || 363
+! Stock
+| 641 || 624 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.0 || 20.7 || 16.4 || 16.4 || rowspan="2" | 363
 |-
-! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
+! Upgraded
-|-
+| 691 || 665 || 18.1 || 19.0 || 24.5 || 20.0
-! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,000 m)
-! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
-! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
-! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
-! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
-|-
-! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
-|-
-| 691 || 665 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 18.1 || 19.0 || 24.5 || 20 || 363
 |-
 |}
 ==== Details ====
-{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 |-
 ! colspan="5" | Features
@@ Line 64: / Line 50: @@
 |}
-{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 |-
-! colspan="5" | Limits
+! colspan="7" | Limits
 |-
-! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
+! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
-! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
+! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
-! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps<br>(km/h)
+! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 ! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 |-
-! + !! -
+! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 |-
-|{{Specs|destruction|body}}||{{Specs|destruction|gear}}|| 460 || ~12 || ~6
+| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 437 || 408 || 260 || ~13 || ~6
 |-
 |}
@@ Line 81: / Line 67: @@
 {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 |-
-! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
+! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 |-
-! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
+! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
-! Rudder<br>(km/h)
-! Elevators<br>(km/h)
-! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 |-
 | < 450 || < 390 || < 450 || > 715
@@ Line 158: / Line 141: @@
 === 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.''-->
+{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
-In-game the 109 F4 although a small plane is a sturdy plane which can survive a lot of damage and retaining a much of its manoeuvrability even damaged. One saving grace is that it utilizes self-sealing fuel tanks reducing the chance of an uncontrollable fire.
+<!-- ''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.'' -->
+* 60mm Bulletproof glass
+* 8mm Steel - Pilot's seat
+* 10mm Steel - Pilot's head rest
+* 8mm Steel - Rear fuel tank plate
+The Bf 109 F-4, although a small plane, is a sturdy plane that can survive a lot of damage and retain much of its manoeuvrability when damaged. Its self-sealing fuel tanks increase the chance to put out a fire.
+=== 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.'' -->
-{{main|MG 151/20 (20 mm)|MG 17 (7.92 mm)}}
+{{main|MG 151 (20 mm)|MG 17 (7.92 mm)}}
 The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
-* 1 x 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon, nose-mounted (200 rpg)
+* 1 x 20 mm MG 151 cannon, nose-mounted (200 rpg)
 * 2 x 7.92 mm MG 17 machine guns, nose-mounted (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
 === 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|SC50JA (50 kg)|SC250JA (250 kg)|MG 151/15 (15 mm)}}
+{{main|SC50JA (50 kg)|SC250JA (250 kg)|MG 151 (15 mm)|Flam C 250 incendiary}}
 The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
@@ Line 180: / Line 175: @@
 * 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 (gunpods) (125 rpg = 250 total)
+* 2 x 15 mm MG 151 cannons, wing-mounted (gunpods) (125 rpg = 250 total)
+* 1 x Flam C 250 incendiary bomb
 == Usage in battles ==
-<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in an 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).'' -->
+<!-- ''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).'' -->
 [[File:Cockpits_Bf109F-4.jpg|thumbnail|right|The Bf 109 F-4's instrument panel.]]
-Arcade use in battle: BF 109 F4 must be used as an energy fighting. Its flight performance is impressive up to 6,000 m then decreases, so at the beginning of the match, you can outclimb most of the other planes at its rank and then energy fight them in the vertical Boom & Zooming from above. It's low stall speed and ability to prop hang makes even at less than 100 Km/hour at more than 40 degrees for many seconds an ideal aircraft for spiral turns and snapshots. Bf 109's good turn rate and roll rate allows it to turn fight not only US planes but also Lavochkins and Spitfires which lose their energy at their first turn but the 109 keeps it. If you engage a dogfight with a superior turn fighter you can still out turn him by leaving some separation and using frontal barrel rolls until the other plane turn by turn losses enough energy and finally its turning ability. It is not recommended to turn fight Japanese planes or Yak fighters; if engaged on a turn fight go to the vertical and use the spiral climb stall technique.  The high acceleration, turn rate, climb rate, excellent stall characteristics, at all altitudes makes it a wonder to fly. All this get significantly reduced when gondolas are added on. The Moteur-Cannon cannon when used with air targets rounds that have a significant amount of ''minengeschoß'' filled shells and is devastating which can be used for a precise fake out head-on or precise long-distance shots allowing you to start shooting as far out as 2 km.
-Usage with Joystick on arcade: The plane although it still has a Yaw wooble it is low and can be mitigated under Realistic controls. You can set yaw non-linearity to 3,8 adding some dead zone and decreasing multiplier to stiffen and reducing the Wooble. The Pitch and roll work well and give good controllability.
+'''Arcade Battles:'''
-In Real Battles:
+The Bf 109 F-4 performs at its best when used as an energy fighter. Its flight performance is impressive up to 6,000 m then decreases, so at the beginning of the match, you can outclimb most of the other planes at its rank and then energy fight them in the vertical Boom & Zooming from above. Its low stall speed and ability to prop hang even at less than 100 km/h at more than 40 degrees for many seconds makes it an ideal aircraft for spiral turns and snapshots. Bf 109's good turn rate and roll rate allows it to turn fight not only US planes but also Lavochkins and Spitfires which lose their energy at their first turn. If you engage in a dogfight with a superior turn fighter you can still out turn him by creating some separation and using frontal barrel rolls until the other plane turn by turn loses enough energy and finally its turning ability. It is not recommended to turn-fight Japanese planes or Yak fighters; if engaged on a turn-fight go to the vertical and use the spiral climb stall technique. The high acceleration, turn rate, climb rate, excellent stall characteristics, at all altitudes makes it a wonder to fly. All this gets significantly reduced when gondolas are added on. The 20 mm MG 151 cannon when used with Air targets belt that have a significant amount of Minengeschoß filled shells and is devastating which can be used for a precise fake out head-on or precise long-distance shots allowing you to start shooting as far out as 2 km.
-A very good energy fighter for its rank, the Bf 109 F-4 can out climb most opponents due to its high power to weight ratio. However, use of WEP must be limited or else the engine will overheat, although [[Guide_to_manual_engine_controls|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.
+'''Arcade with joystick:''' Although the plane still has a yaw wobble, it is low and can be mitigated with Realistic controls. You can set yaw non-linearity to 3.8 adding some dead zone and decreasing multiplier to stiffen and reducing the wobble. The pitch and roll work well and give good controllability.
-Unfortunately, the F-4’s 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 are not necessarily most important, the additional MG 151’s can mean the difference between a kill or nothing at all.
+'''Realistic Battles:'''
-The Bf 109 F-4 is not a great plane when compared to the other Rank 3 planes, but it is effective nonetheless. Do not try to kill a plane by coming behind it and giving them all you got- you don't have much. Instead, try to scare your prey into a turn by peppering it with your 7.92mm MG 17s, and then blow its wing off with the cannon.
+A very good energy fighter for its rank, the Bf 109 F-4 can out climb most opponents due to its high power to weight ratio. However, use of WEP must be limited or else the engine will overheat, although [[Guide to manual engine controls|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.
-Word to the wise: the F-4 is a fairly good turner for its class; if you are chased by a [[F4U_(Family)|F4U]], [[P-51_(Family)|P-51]], [[P-47D-25|P-47D]], [[F6F_(Family)|F6F]] or [[Typhoon_(Family)|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 it. Then, repeat. Do not try to out-climb the Spitfire (its community nickname is the ''Spacefire'' for a reason), but try to outrun it in a dive. The [[Spitfire Mk Vc]] is superior to the F-4, so avoid them.
+Unfortunately, the F-4's 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 are not necessarily most important, the additional MG 151's can mean the difference between a kill or nothing at all.
+The Bf 109 F-4 is not a great plane when compared to the other Rank 3 planes, but it is effective nonetheless. Do not try to kill a plane by coming behind it and giving them all you got- you don't have much. 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.
+Word to the wise: the F-4 is a fairly good turner for its class; if you are chased by a [[F4U (Family)|F4U]], [[P-51 (Family)|P-51]], [[P-47D-25|P-47D]], [[F6F (Family)|F6F]] or [[Typhoon (Family)|Typhoon]], turn and destroy. The flaps give the F-4 an exceptionally tight turning radius. Combat flaps can be deployed at speeds up to 437 km/h, while takeoff and landing flaps up to 408 and 260 respectively. With flaps deployed, the Bf 109 F-4 has tighter turn radius than almost any fighter it can face bar Spitfires and Zeroes (it can even keep up with a Yak-3 provided the fight is a contest of radius and not rate), and thus excels at scissoring fights. Be advised though, the flaps react extremely slowly to commands and if you accelerate rapidly, you may lose them; and the manoeuvrability of the Bf 109 F-4 without flaps is unimpressive. 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 it. Then, repeat. Do not try to out-climb the Spitfire, but try to outrun it in a dive. The [[Spitfire Mk Vc]] is superior to the F-4, so avoid them.
+It is important to note the distinction between a rate fight and a radius fight. The flaps of the Bf 109 F-4 produce a significant amount of drag, reducing the sustained rate of turn while tightening the turn radius.
+'''Simulator Battles:'''
+In Simulator, the Bf 109 F-4 is quite a friendly fighter that can perform many tasks. It offers great flight performance with its smooth handling, adequate speed, and impressive climb rate and turn rate. Its nose-mounted armaments do not require any convergence settings, making it very easy to aim. The nose gently slopes down from the windscreen, offering great over-the-nose vision. There are also a few bomb options to choose from which are beneficial for ground-pounding or base-bombing, although these are not its primary objectives. However, the Friedrich does have rather limited cockpit view obstructed by its numerous canopy frames. Rear view is significantly worse as a solid armour plate headset is added, preventing the pilot from seeing what is behind which can sometimes be fatal. It also behaves poorly during takeoffs due to its torquey engine.
+Bring at least 30 minutes of fuel for prolonged patrolling and fighting. The convergence does not really matter, it might be anywhere between 250-600 m. Depending on the task you wish to complete (eg destroy enemy attackers), gunpods can be helpful, if available. Although they slightly worsen the flight performance, that extra burst mass can be the difference between a "Hit" and "Aircraft destroyed". Finally, you can set keys for vertical head movement, as lifting up your head a little helps improving the over-the-nose visibility.
+Taking off in a Bf 109 F is considerably harder than a lot other aircraft. When taking off, the Bf 109 will shift severely to the left side due to the huge torque, so consider setting keybinds for left and right brakes, as they are more effective at directional control than the rudder while on the ground. As the plane is just lifting off the ground it will start rolling to the left due to the torque, so you must immediately roll a little right to keep it level, or the left wingtip will strike the ground.
+Dogfighting in SB involves everyday RB tactics. Utilise common manoeuvres such as Immelmann, Split-S, scissor, barrel roll, etc. The 200-round magazine of the Bf 109 F-4 does allow you to fire slightly longer bursts at slightly longer distances, but getting close until the target fills up the reticle is still a good choice. Note: the Bf 109 handles very sluggishly in the roll axis at low speed, so take this into account if dogfighting at low speed/altitude. You can even pull the elevator fully for maximum agility, but only if you pull gently and gradually will the 109 manoeuvre as you wish. If maximum elevator input is harsh and sudden, the plane will start swaying around and enter a flat spin. The aircraft can quite easily recover from a flat spin by fully deflecting elevators downward and rudder to the opposite side of which the plane is spinning, and wait until it starts a dive and gather some speed to pull up.
+If you want to engage heavy aircraft, it is best to bring the 15 mm gun pods to maximise your damage output. However relying solely on the one MG151 cannon might also work, but that requires more professional evading, aiming, and a few more shots. Against well-armed targets (e.g. B-25) you should perform deflection shots to minimise the time you are exposed to their gunners, whereas against well-armoured aircraft with average/no defensive firepower (e.g. early IL-2), tailing them may get the job done quicker. With the powerful mineshells, 1-3 passes are enough to destroy any aircraft.
+Landing may need practice for some. It is easy at first: decelerate and descent towards the runway, deploy combat, takeoff, landing flaps and gears in order, fly at ~200 km/h before touchdown. If the plane bounces up with landing flaps, use takeoff/combat flaps instead to reduce lift. Note that you must align the plane with the airstrip correctly prior to touchdown and do not yaw/break one side too much when breaking, as the main landing gears are so close together that they cannot support such sideways force, causing the plane to wobble dangerously or even tilt towards one side, striking a wingtip into the ground.
 === Manual Engine Control ===
@@ Line 213: / Line 228: @@
 |-
 | 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
-|-
-|}
-=== Modules ===
-{| class="wikitable"
-! Tier
-! colspan="2" | Flight performance
-! Survivability
-! colspan="3" | Weaponry
-|-
-| I
-| Fuselage repair
-| Radiator
-|
-| Offensive 7 mm
-| 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
 |-
 |}
@@ Line 262: / Line 236: @@
 '''Pros:'''
-* Nimble, compared to Russian and American counterparts
+* Nimble, compared to Soviet and American counterparts
-* Its 20 mm is lethal if the shells hit
+* Lethal 20 mm ''Minengeschoss'' shells available
 * Relatively good climb rate, possibly as good as a Spitfire or a maxed-out P-39 Airacobra
 * Good sustained turn
 * Faster than most opponents, such as the Spitfire Mk V, Yak-3, and La-5, especially at altitude
 * Good performance at medium altitudes
-* Better than the F-4 tropical variant due to engine power
+* Better than the F-4 tropical variant due to higher engine power
-* The 15 mm cannons have quite high penetration with the armoured targets belt. They are very effective against soft targets
+* All weaponry mounted in the nose, allowing easy aiming without having to worry about convergence
+* Flaps tighten turn radius significantly, can win duels against most planes that aren't turnfighters
 '''Cons:'''
@@ Line 276: / Line 251: @@
 * Additional armament can critically reduce performance, especially in a dogfight
 * Poor cockpit visibility
-* Prone to catching fire when chasing a bomber
+* Gun pods can't load stealth belts, reducing the element of surprise
-* Gun pods can't load stealth belts, thus giving the user away in a surprise attack
 * Turns sluggishly at speeds under 190 km/h
 * Priority target when in AB mode due to its reputation of destroying planes with relative ease, especially when equipped with MG 151/15 gun pods in addition to the offensive armament of MG 17 machine gun and MG 151/20 cannon, smart players will try to eliminate the Bf 109 F-4 first.
 * Gun pods have low ammo count, compared to the 20 mm MG 151 gun pods accessible to the G-2 variant
+* For Sim, the numerous canopy frames and razorback greatly limit the all-round view, and huge engine torque causes severe turning when taking off
+* Flaps react slowly, require some practice to use
 == 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).''-->
+<!-- ''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).'' -->
-In real life the flight characteristics of this plane were remarkable, the F model is considered the pinnacle of BF109 development having the nices flying characteristics of all versions. It has empty weight of 2,390 kg, and a gross weight of 2,900 kg. Powered by a 1,350 hp the Daimler-Benz DB 601E inverted-vee engine the BF 109 F4 had a power to weight ratio of a giving of 0,46.  It reaches a maximum speed of 624 km/hour (388 mph) and an impressive rate of climb of 3,000 m (9,845 ft)/2.6 min. It also had a high ceiling of 12,000 meters (39,375 ft), but a low range of combat of 850 km (530 mi) with a drop tank limiting its usefulness as a local high altitude interceptor. In real life this plane although impressive had its limitations, it could do well vs any allied fighter below 6,000 meters and above 3,000 meters. It could out turn a P-51D and out-climb it but it could not out zoom climb, outrun or out dive a P-51D or a P-47D at high altitude. We have to remember that the Franz (F version of 109) appeared because the Spitfire MK.V was performing better than the Emil version the BF 109 E in the cross Channel duels after the Battle of Britain. The F version regained the edge over the Spitfire MK V at high altitudes. The 109 faced in the first year of the Soviet invasion a massive score as they faced outdated soviet aeroplanes like the I-16s but also performed well against the Lagg-3s and Yaks-1. The F model improved in power and speed on the G1 Gustav version with a 1,475 hp DB 605A Engine entering combat on July 1942 but it had not improved handling characteristics over the F model.
+In real life the flight characteristics of this plane were remarkable, the F model is considered the pinnacle of Bf 109 development, having the nicest flying characteristics of all versions. It has empty weight of 2,390 kg, and a gross weight of 2,900 kg. Powered by a 1,350 hp the Daimler-Benz DB 601E inverted-vee engine the BF 109 F4 had a power to weight ratio of a giving of 0,46. It reaches a maximum speed of 624 km/h (388 mph) and an impressive rate of climb of 3,000 m (9,845 ft)/2.6 min. It also had a high ceiling of 12,000 m (39,375 ft), but a low range of combat of 850 km (530 mi) with a drop tank limiting its usefulness as a local high altitude interceptor. In real life this plane although impressive had its limitations, it could do well vs any allied fighter below 6,000 m and above 3,000 m. It could out turn a P-51D and out-climb it but it could not out zoom climb, outrun or out dive a P-51D or a P-47D at high altitude. We have to remember that the Franz (F version of 109) appeared because the Spitfire MK.V was performing better than the Emil version the BF 109 E in the cross Channel duels after the Battle of Britain. The F version regained the edge over the Spitfire MK V at high altitudes. The 109 faced in the first year of the Soviet invasion a massive score as they faced outdated soviet aeroplanes like the I-16s but also performed well against the Lagg-3s and Yaks-1. The F model improved in power and speed on the G1 Gustav version with a 1,475 hp DB 605A Engine entering combat on July 1942 but it had not improved handling characteristics over the F model.
-=== In-game description ===
+{{break}}
+{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}}}
+{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 The Messerschmitt Bf 109 was a single-seat monoplane fighter used by the Luftwaffe before and during WWII. It was used as a fighter, interceptor, high-altitude interceptor, fighter-bomber and reconnaissance aircraft.
 The Bf 109 F variant, or "Friedrich", was a replacement for the Emil. Friedrich reached front-line units in the Autumn of 1941 and, by the middle of the following year, almost two-thirds of Luftwaffe fighter regiments were equipped with the variant.
+{{Navigation-End}}
 == Media ==
 <!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
-* [http://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?q=%23bf109f4 Skins and camouflages for the Bf 109 F-4 from live.warthunder.com.]
+;Skins
+* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=bf-109f-4 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
+;Videos
+{{Youtube-gallery|PJLUJNFD1Nw|'''The Shooting Range #224''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 03:53 discusses allied efforts to capture the {{PAGENAME}}.|7wUT8anIIw0|'''Realistic: {{PAGENAME}} [German Engineering at its Best]"''' - ''Jengar''}}
 == 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;''
-* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''-->
+* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
+;[[Bf 109 (Family)|Related development]]
+* [[Bf 109 F-4 (USA)]]
+* [[Bf 109 F-4/trop]]
+* [[Bf 109 F-4 (Italy)]]
 ;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
-* Mitsubishi [[A6M (Family)|A6M]]
+* Macchi [[C. 205 serie 3]]
-* Bell [[P-39 (Family)|P-39]] Airacobra
+* Fiat [[G.55 sottoserie 0]]
-* Curtiss [[P-36 (Family)|P-36]]
+* Kawasaki [[Ki-61-I tei]]
-* Curtiss [[P-40 (Family)|P-40]]
+* Kawasaki [[Ki-100]]
-* Dewoitine [[D.520]]
-* Fiat [[G.55 serie 1|G.55]]
-* Focke-Wulf [[Fw 190 (Family)|Fw 190]]
-* Grumman [[F4F (Family)|F4F]] Wildcat
-* Grumman [[F6F (Family)|F6F]] Hellcat
-* Hawker [[Hurricane (Family)|Hurricane]]
-* Heinkel [[He 112 (Family)|He 112]]
-* [[IAR-81C|IAR-81]]
-* Kawasaki [[Ki-61 (Family)|Ki-61]]
-* Lavochkin [[LaGG-3 (Family)|LaGG-3]]
-* Macchi [[C.202]]
-* Macchi [[C.205 serie 1|C.205]]
-* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-3 (Family)|MiG-3]]
-* Morane-Saulnier [[M.S.406C1|MS.406]]
-* Nakajima [[Ki-43 (Family)|Ki-43]]
-* North American [[P-51 (Family)|P-51]] Mustang
-* Polikarpov [[I-16 (Family)|I-16]]
-* Supermarine [[Spitfire (Family)|Spitfire]]
-* Yakovlev [[Yak-1]]
-* Yakovlev [[Yak-9]]
 == External links ==
-''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+* ''topic on the official game forum;''
+* ''other literature.''-->
-* ''topic on the official game forum;''
+* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/155545-messerschmitt-bf-109-f-4/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
-* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
-* ''other literature.''
 {{AirManufacturer BFW}}
 {{Germany fighters}}