Bf 109 F-2
| This page is about the German fighter Bf 109 F-2. For other versions, see Bf 109 (Family). |
Contents
Description
The Bf 109 F-2 is a rank II German fighter with a battle rating of 3.0 (AB/RB) and 3.7 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.37. Setting the basis for the definitive version of the Bf 109, the F-4, the Bf 109 F-2, alongside the Bf 109 F-1, saw substantial improvement over the earlier Emil series.
The second Bf 109 of the F series in War Thunder, the Bf 109 F-2 plays like the Bf 109 F-1. Successful F-1 pilots should feel at home with the F-2 almost instantaneously, allowing the player to acquire valuable 109 experience before grabbing the Bf 109 F-4.
As with the F-1, the most notable change of the Friedrich over the Emil is its performance. Having a more aerodynamically efficient design, especially in the nose, the F-2 is identical to the F-1 in its performance, propelled forward by a powerful DB 601 N producing up to 1,175 hp. Reaching speeds to up to 615 km/h at 5.2 km of altitude, the Friedrich is testimony to the trademark acceleration and speed found in the 109s. A powerful climber, the F-2 reaches altitude quickly and can easily outclimb most of its historic counterparts. As with all 109s, the optimal climbing speed is 270 km/h (IAS). As such, the Bf 109 F-2 should largely be played like the Emils, with the added bonus of additional performance making the flying and fighting even easier. As with the Emil, fluid and speedy transitions between altitude and speed, together with well-timed use of flaps, throttle and manoeuvres, enable the Friedrich to quickly change an engagement to its favour.
The most striking change is its main armament. Although the player has had access to a 20 mm cannon with the E-3 and F-1, they are now presented with a 15 mm cannon. This may seem a disadvantage at first, but the 15 mm MG 151 is respectable. While a single shot tends to be less effective than a shot by the MG FF/M's mineshell available on the F-1, it has some upsides: overall better ballistics and a higher ammo count, sporting 200 rounds instead of the MG FF's characteristic 60 round magazine. Hitting a target no longer takes the extreme care that it does with the F-1, making long-range shooting possible but inadvisable. Despite these advantages, the lower calibre and lack of proper HE ammunition in the 15 mm cannon make it lacklustre in the damage department. Quick, clean kills aren't very common with this armament. Bomber hunting requires hitting the target with some good, steady bursts. Therefore, it is best to take care when engaging a bomber and mind its gunners. The rockets this fighter mounts optionally are an effective weapon to take down well-defended bombers (one hit with a rocket) as well as to pick off ground targets including tanks, but they also cause a lot of drag, degrading the performance.
Regarding the change that the higher battle rating brings to this aircraft, the fighting style shifts a little bit in that an advancement in BR means a shift in the characteristics of its opponents to better-diving, better-climbing, but worse-turning opponents. This means that, in some occasions, sustained turning is a viable option especially against its American counterparts. Diving as a means of escape will often end up with the pilot losing a fight, particularly when facing the heavy, streamlined aircraft of the U.S. line, such as Corsairs or Thunderbolts. Fighting better climbing opponents means that having an energy advantage at a start of an engagement, obtained by climbing upon spawning, is very important.
General info
Flight performance
| Characteristics | Max Speed (km/h at 5,000 m) |
Max altitude (metres) |
Turn time (seconds) |
Rate of climb (metres/second) |
Take-off run (metres) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AB | RB | AB | RB | AB | RB | |||
| Stock | 591 | 575 | 10000 | 18.9 | 19.6 | 16.7 | 16.7 | 358 |
| Upgraded | 639 | 614 | 17.1 | 18.0 | 24.1 | 20.0 | ||
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 | ~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 |
| 4,850 m | 1,050 hp | 1,168 hp |
Survivability and armour
- 8 mm Steel - Pilot's seat
- 10 mm Steel - Pilot's headrest
- 60 mm Bulletproof glass
Modifications and economy
| Flight performance | Survivability | Weaponry | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Armaments
Offensive armament
The Bf 109 F-2 is armed with:
- 1 x 15 mm MG 151 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 together until empty. The 15 mm cannon is mounted in the propeller shaft and fires through the propeller hub.
Suspended armament
The Bf 109 F-2 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
- Without load
- 4 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (200 kg total)
- 8 x RZ.65 rockets
- 1 x 250 kg SC250JA bomb (250 kg total)
- 1 x Flam C 250 incendiary bomb
Usage in battles
Just as the with the E-3, new players should adopt a hit and run tactic with the Bf 109s. While often called BnZ aircraft, the 109s are not dedicated Boom'n'Zoomers and many other aircraft such as the Fw 190 do it much better. While it is true that a pure Boom and Zooming approach can be used for the 109s, limiting oneself to this enormously undermines plane efficiency. It is a purebred energy fighter.
Keep in mind that while the B-1 and Emil were respectable turners, the Friedrichs turn somewhat worse, and you should begin to think twice before going into a turning engagement. Should you be shot down often and struggle when fighting enemies with the F-2, consider it a helpful and fair warning: you are most likely using the plane wrongly and need to brush up on your flying before attempting the later 109s that nearly all have tough matchmaking.
While the Bf 109 F-2 loses out on the mine shell of the MG FF/M second cannon of the E-4, it still performs adequately. When necessary, use the 7.92 mm MG 17 to hose down an enemy or force them to break off from a friendly when you can't get a sure shot in with your cannon. Engaging bombers in the F-2 is a thankless task, since they will most likely soak up a great number of hits. Unless you enjoy being out of ammo and thus defenceless, bombers are just about your lowest priority in the F-2. If you are forced to attack one, aim for its wings, engines and fuel tanks, not the center.
The F-2 can load either 4 x 50 kg or 1 x 250 kg bombs. Unless you like to fly at a severe disadvantage, do not use the bombs unless you have to in order to win a match, for example after refueling/restocking at the base. The bomb load is nowhere near large enough to make a fighter bombing trip worth it. While the 8 x RZ.65 rockets might look enticing, their actual use is next to nothing, only serving to reduce the planes performance. When using AP-heavy ammo belts, the cannon can penetrate light and medium tanks, but time is better spent fighting planes and practising your skills. Additionally, save the bomb unlocks while grinding out the plane until last and focus on performance.
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:
- Good rate of climb
- Above average speed
- Good ammo load
- Easy to aim 15 mm cannon
- Fair manoeuvrability
- Good performance at altitude
- Ability to mount rockets and bombs
- Ammo counter in the cockpit (useful for SB)
- All weaponry mounted in the nose, allowing easy aiming without having to worry about convergence
Cons:
- Poor one-burst firepower
- Despite lack of weaknesses, no unmatched strength in any characteristic
- For Sim, the numerous canopy frames and razorback greatly limit the all-round view, and huge engine torque causes severe turning when taking off
History
While the Emil saw combat during the Poland and France campaigns and was used as the mainstream German fighter during the Battle of Britain, it had reached its zenith with the E-4. While arguably still a better performer than its historic counterparts, with enemy planes being either as good or worse than the Emil, Messerschmitt began to re-evaluate the E-design and attempt to improve upon its design. Drawing on data provided by pilots, the industry and in line with the wishes of the German High Command, the Friedrich was developed.
The Bf 109 F saw major improvement over the Bf 109 E. Its complete front section was overhauled with a more streamlined look and a more aerodynamically efficient profile developed. The wings were improved, ending in a semi elliptical design reminiscent of the Spitfire. Due to the various changes, it became heavier than the Emil, yet its DB 601 N engine and the better design allowed it to considerably outperform the Emil.
Just under 1,400 Bf 109 F-2s were built during the war. Several were retrofitted with the MG 151/20 after it became available. A tropicalized version existed, featuring the distinctive filter mounted in front of the air intake.
Media
- Skins
See also
- Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
External links
- Official data sheet - more details about the performance
- Radinger, Willy & Otto, Wolfgang, Messerschmit Me 109 - Das meistgebaute Jagdflugzeug der Welt - Entwicklung, Erprobung, Technik - Bf 109A bis 109K, Aviatic Verlag, Oberhachingen: 2011
- "Falcon's Messerschmitt Bf 109 Hangar" Bf 109F subpage
- English Wikipedia: "Messerschmitt Bf 109 variants – Bf 109 F"
- "Performance Information Bf 109F"
| 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 (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 |
