Difference between revisions of "Bf 109 F-4 (USA)"

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{{Specs-Card
 
|code=bf-109f-4_usa
 
|cockpit=334565/1111199
 
}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = premium American fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = premium American fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other uses
+
| usage = other versions
 
| link = Bf 109 (Family)
 
| link = Bf 109 (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=bf-109f-4_usa
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 +
|cockpit=cockpit_bf-109f-4_usa.jpg
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
[[File:GarageImage_Bf_109_F-4_USA.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
{{Break}}
 
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} American 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}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} American fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
=== 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}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
Line 59: Line 59:
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 460 || 460 || 260 || ~12 || ~6
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 437 || 408 || 260 || ~13 || ~6
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 88: Line 88:
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
  
Line 95: Line 96:
 
* 10 mm steel - pilot's headrest
 
* 10 mm steel - pilot's headrest
 
* Critical components located in front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
 
* Critical components located in front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
 +
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== 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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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 mm)|MG 17 (7.92 mm)}}
 
{{main|MG 151 (20 mm)|MG 17 (7.92 mm)}}
Line 109: Line 115:
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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 BF-109 F-4 represents the pinnacle of the Friedrich line of Messerschmitt. With a powerful engine and decent armament, the F-4 is an extremely powerful fighter in any hands. It is mainly a dogfighter, with a well-rounded mix of good climb rate, speed, manoeuvrability, and weaponry.
+
The Bf 109 F-4 represents the pinnacle of the Friedrich line of Messerschmitt. With a powerful engine and decent armament, the F-4 is an extremely powerful fighter in any hands. It is mainly a dogfighter, with a well-rounded mix of good climb rate, speed, manoeuvrability, and weaponry.
  
As the Bf 109 F-4 USA Premium comes with all upgrades, it is an extremely effective aircraft at purchase. Its main strengths lie in its astounding low-speed/mid-altitude climb rate. Use this to your advantage in a dogfight. Your opponents will be caught off guard when you rocket away at 25 m/s with your WEP. Compared to other aircraft of the 4.3 BR, the F-4 is more than able to take on most enemy aircraft.
+
As the Bf 109 F-4 USA Premium comes with all upgrades, it is an extremely effective aircraft at purchase. Its main strengths lie in its astounding low-speed/mid-altitude climb rate. Use this to your advantage in a dogfight. Your opponents will be caught off guard when you rocket away at 25 m/s with your WEP. Compared to other aircraft at the same BR, the F-4 is more than able to take on most enemy aircraft.
  
 
Unfortunately, for a premium plane, the F-4 isn't quite so stellar. It is relatively under-gunned, with only one 20mm cannon and two MGs. Pilots must be precise- as the single MG-151 will jam under intensive fire, even though the mods are all equipped.
 
Unfortunately, for a premium plane, the F-4 isn't quite so stellar. It is relatively under-gunned, with only one 20mm cannon and two MGs. Pilots must be precise- as the single MG-151 will jam under intensive fire, even though the mods are all equipped.
  
The F-4 is also only average in its energy retention capabilities. It's redeeming feature for Boom & Zoom is its climb rate. It does have a relatively good turn rate but is also hampered by its lack of good energy retention. Stay in middle altitudes and dive and engage slower fighters. Avoid tangling with extremely manoeuvrable fighters such as the Yaks.
+
The F-4 is also only average in its energy retention capabilities. Its redeeming feature for Boom & Zoom is its climb rate. It does have a relatively good turn rate but is also hampered by its lack of good energy retention. Stay in middle altitudes and dive and engage slower fighters. Avoid tangling with extremely manoeuvrable fighters such as the Yaks.
  
The F-4 performs poorly at high altitude. Do not try to chase planes above 4,000-5,000 km. In a dive, the F-4's wings will tear relatively quickly. Avoid diving at speeds above 800 km/h.
+
The F-4 performs poorly at high altitude. Do not try to chase planes above 4,000-5,000 m. In a dive, the F-4's wings will tear relatively quickly. Avoid diving at speeds above 800 km/h.
  
 
One could consider the F-4 a jack-of-all-trades, master of none. It has an average-to-good turn rate, decent weaponry, astounding climb rate, and poor energy retention.
 
One could consider the F-4 a jack-of-all-trades, master of none. It has an average-to-good turn rate, decent weaponry, astounding climb rate, and poor energy retention.
Line 135: Line 141:
 
|-
 
|-
 
| 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
 
| 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
 
! Weaponry
 
|-
 
| I
 
| Fuselage repair
 
| Radiator
 
|
 
| Offensive 7 mm
 
|-
 
| II
 
|
 
| Compressor
 
| Airframe
 
| New 7 mm MGs
 
|-
 
| III
 
| Wings repair
 
| Engine
 
|
 
| Offensive 20 mm
 
|-
 
| IV
 
|
 
| Engine injection
 
| Cover
 
| New 20 mm cannons
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" |This is a premium vehicle: all modifications are unlocked on purchase
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
* It's a Bf 109 (very good rate of climb, very good dive speed)
+
* Very good rate of climb, very good dive speed
 
* It is a Premium aircraft, all modifications are equipped. It can perform better than some other Bf 109s on the battlefield
 
* It is a Premium aircraft, all modifications are equipped. It can perform better than some other Bf 109s on the battlefield
 
* MG 151 that can fire HE shells
 
* MG 151 that can fire HE shells
* Decent turn rate
+
* All weaponry mounted in the nose, allowing easy aiming without having to worry about convergence
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
Line 189: Line 160:
 
* Poor energy retention
 
* Poor energy retention
 
* Wings tear easily
 
* Wings tear easily
* Average for a premium aircraft- nothing unique
+
* 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 ==
 
== 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-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'}}|expand=true}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 
Messerschmitt Bf 109 F-4 "Friedrich" single-engine front-line fighter
 
Messerschmitt Bf 109 F-4 "Friedrich" single-engine front-line fighter
  
Line 201: Line 174:
 
The fighter, with a serial number of 7690 and a yellow tail number reading "12" on the fuselage, was photographed from different angles and prepared for flight tests at the Red Army Air Force Research Institute.
 
The fighter, with a serial number of 7690 and a yellow tail number reading "12" on the fuselage, was photographed from different angles and prepared for flight tests at the Red Army Air Force Research Institute.
  
However, it soon became known that the captured Messerschmitt located in the USA had been damaged during flight, and the Allies requested that one of the two planes be transferred to them. General А. А. Novikov, Commander-in-Chief of the Red Army Air Force, gave permission to send the new Messerschmitt over the ocean.
+
However, it soon became known that the captured Messerschmitt located in the USA had been damaged during flight, and the Allies requested that one of the two planes be transferred to them. General A. A. Novikov, Commander-in-Chief of the Red Army Air Force, gave permission to send the new Messerschmitt over the ocean.
  
 
In the USA, the Bf 109 F-4 (serial number 7690) successfully passed a complete set of flight tests. The aircraft received the USAAF's standard combat pattern and markings. Its tactical number at first was EB-1 and then EB-100.
 
In the USA, the Bf 109 F-4 (serial number 7690) successfully passed a complete set of flight tests. The aircraft received the USAAF's standard combat pattern and markings. Its tactical number at first was EB-1 and then EB-100.
Line 209: Line 182:
 
Favourable comments included those praising the plane's easily accessible engine components, especially its plugs, and its well-suited engine cowling. The fighter had various automatic devices, including those regulating water and oil temperature in the engine, which made the aircraft's piloting significantly easier.
 
Favourable comments included those praising the plane's easily accessible engine components, especially its plugs, and its well-suited engine cowling. The fighter had various automatic devices, including those regulating water and oil temperature in the engine, which made the aircraft's piloting significantly easier.
  
A thorough examination of the Bf 109 F-4 showed that the most vulnerable point of the fighter's power unit was the bottom of the engine. Even one shell or incendiary bullet hitting that area was enough to cause a fire. In addition, the Messerschmitt's water and oil coolers were not protected by armor, which turned them into a good target due to these units' large surface area. Two reserve cooling system tanks, mounted in the bottom of the engine, were also good targets.
+
A thorough examination of the Bf 109 F-4 showed that the most vulnerable point of the fighter's power unit was the bottom of the engine. Even one shell or incendiary bullet hitting that area was enough to cause a fire. In addition, the Messerschmitt's water and oil coolers were not protected by armour, which turned them into a good target due to these units' large surface area. Two reserve cooling system tanks, mounted in the bottom of the engine, were also good targets.
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=bf-109f-4_usa Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 220: Line 197:
  
 
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
 
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
 
+
* North American [[P-51 (Family)|P-51]] Mustang
* Mitsubishi [[A6M (Family)|A6M]]
+
* Kawasaki [[Ki-61 (Family)|Ki-61]]]
* Bell [[P-39 (Family)|P-39]] Airacobra
 
* Curtiss [[P-36 (Family)|P-36]]
 
* Curtiss [[P-40 (Family)|P-40]]
 
* Dewoitine [[D.520]]
 
 
* Fiat [[G.55 serie 1|G.55]]
 
* 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]]
 
* 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 ==
 
== 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;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
+
* ''other literature.''-->
* ''other literature.''
+
 
 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/155545-messerschmitt-bf-109-f-4/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
  
 
{{AirManufacturer BFW}}
 
{{AirManufacturer BFW}}
 
{{USA fighters}}
 
{{USA fighters}}
 
{{USA premium aircraft}}
 
{{USA premium aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 16:35, 20 November 2022

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
This page is about the premium American fighter Bf 109 F-4 (USA). For other versions, see Bf 109 (Family).
▃Bf 109 F-4
bf-109f-4_usa.png
GarageImage Bf 109 F-4 (USA).jpg
360://https://wiki.warthunder.com/images/6/6d/Cockpit_bf-109f-4_usa.jpg
▃Bf 109 F-4
AB RB SB
4.3 4.0 4.0
Purchase:1 450 Specs-Card-Eagle.png
Show in game

Description

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

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
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 6,000 m)
Max altitude
(metres)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(metres/second)
Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 635 623 11600 20.3 20.7 14.2 16.3 363
Upgraded 695 665 18.2 19.0 28.3 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
4,950 m 1,185 hp 1,333 hp

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural790 km/h
Gear360 km/h
  • 60 mm bulletproof glass - armoured windscreen
  • 6 mm steel - bulkhead behind cockpit
  • 8 mm steel - pilot's seat
  • 10 mm steel - pilot's headrest
  • Critical components located in front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB711 Sl icon.png
RB3 456 Sl icon.png
SB2 100 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts115 000 Sl icon.png
Aces500 Ge icon.png
Research Aces640 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 60 / 190 / 310 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 142 / 142 / 142 % 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
mg_belt_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
mg17_new_gun
Mods ammo.png
mg15120_belt_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
mg15120_new_gun

Armaments

Offensive armament

Ammunition200 rounds
Fire rate700 shots/min
Ammunition1 000 rounds
Fire rate1 200 shots/min

The Bf 109 F-4 (USA) 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)

Usage in battles

The Bf 109 F-4 represents the pinnacle of the Friedrich line of Messerschmitt. With a powerful engine and decent armament, the F-4 is an extremely powerful fighter in any hands. It is mainly a dogfighter, with a well-rounded mix of good climb rate, speed, manoeuvrability, and weaponry.

As the Bf 109 F-4 USA Premium comes with all upgrades, it is an extremely effective aircraft at purchase. Its main strengths lie in its astounding low-speed/mid-altitude climb rate. Use this to your advantage in a dogfight. Your opponents will be caught off guard when you rocket away at 25 m/s with your WEP. Compared to other aircraft at the same BR, the F-4 is more than able to take on most enemy aircraft.

Unfortunately, for a premium plane, the F-4 isn't quite so stellar. It is relatively under-gunned, with only one 20mm cannon and two MGs. Pilots must be precise- as the single MG-151 will jam under intensive fire, even though the mods are all equipped.

The F-4 is also only average in its energy retention capabilities. Its redeeming feature for Boom & Zoom is its climb rate. It does have a relatively good turn rate but is also hampered by its lack of good energy retention. Stay in middle altitudes and dive and engage slower fighters. Avoid tangling with extremely manoeuvrable fighters such as the Yaks.

The F-4 performs poorly at high altitude. Do not try to chase planes above 4,000-5,000 m. In a dive, the F-4's wings will tear relatively quickly. Avoid diving at speeds above 800 km/h.

One could consider the F-4 a jack-of-all-trades, master of none. It has an average-to-good turn rate, decent weaponry, astounding climb rate, and poor energy retention.

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:

  • Very good rate of climb, very good dive speed
  • It is a Premium aircraft, all modifications are equipped. It can perform better than some other Bf 109s on the battlefield
  • MG 151 that can fire HE shells
  • All weaponry mounted in the nose, allowing easy aiming without having to worry about convergence

Cons:

  • No gunpods as the R6 modification is only available for Germans
  • No bombs
  • Poor energy retention
  • Wings tear easily
  • 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


Archive of the in-game description

Messerschmitt Bf 109 F-4 "Friedrich" single-engine front-line fighter

On May 29, 1942, a pair of German Bf 109 F-4 fighters from the 9th Squadron of the III./JG 3 Fighter Wing, piloted by Petty Officer E. Volkmann as the leader and Corporal A. Kuhn as the wingman, lost their bearings, ran out of fuel, and made a forced landing on a plot of arable land behind the front lines in the Chuguyev area. The Red Army thus obtained two Friedrichs in quite a good condition.

The fighter, with a serial number of 7690 and a yellow tail number reading "12" on the fuselage, was photographed from different angles and prepared for flight tests at the Red Army Air Force Research Institute.

However, it soon became known that the captured Messerschmitt located in the USA had been damaged during flight, and the Allies requested that one of the two planes be transferred to them. General A. A. Novikov, Commander-in-Chief of the Red Army Air Force, gave permission to send the new Messerschmitt over the ocean.

In the USA, the Bf 109 F-4 (serial number 7690) successfully passed a complete set of flight tests. The aircraft received the USAAF's standard combat pattern and markings. Its tactical number at first was EB-1 and then EB-100.

The test results showed that the Bf 109 F-4 was 70 km/h quicker than the Bf 109E when near land; about one half of the velocity gain was obtained due to the more powerful DB 601E engine, while the other half was a result of better aerodynamics. The fighter's excellent controllability and good manoeuvrability were also noted.

Favourable comments included those praising the plane's easily accessible engine components, especially its plugs, and its well-suited engine cowling. The fighter had various automatic devices, including those regulating water and oil temperature in the engine, which made the aircraft's piloting significantly easier.

A thorough examination of the Bf 109 F-4 showed that the most vulnerable point of the fighter's power unit was the bottom of the engine. Even one shell or incendiary bullet hitting that area was enough to cause a fire. In addition, the Messerschmitt's water and oil coolers were not protected by armour, which turned them into a good target due to these units' large surface area. Two reserve cooling system tanks, mounted in the bottom of the engine, were also good targets.


Media

Skins

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 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.

USA fighters
P-26 Peashooter  P-26A-33 · P-26A-34 · P-26A-34 M2 · P-26B-35
P-36 Hawk  P-36A · Rasmussen's P-36A · P-36C · ○P-36C · P-36G
P-39 Airacobra  P-400 · P-39N-0 · P-39Q-5
P-40  P-40C · P-40E-1 · P-40E-1 TD · P-40F-10
P-43 Lancer  P-43A-1
P-47 Thunderbolt  P-47D-22-RE · P-47D-25 · P-47D-28 · P-47M-1-RE · ⋠P-47M-1-RE · P-47N-15
P-51 Mustang  P-51 · P-51A (Thunder League) · P-51C-10 · P-51D-5 · P-51D-10 · P-51D-20-NA · P-51D-30 · P-51H-5-NA
P-63 Kingcobra  P-63A-5 · P-63A-10 · P-63C-5 · ␠Kingcobra
Prototypes  XP-55
F2A Buffalo  F2A-1 · Thach's F2A-1 · F2A-3
BF2C  BF2C-1
F3F  F3F-2 · Galer's F3F-2
F4F Wildcat  F4F-3 · F4F-4
F4U Corsair  F4U-1A · F4U-1A (USMC) · F4U-1D · F4U-1C · F4U-4 · F4U-4B · F4U-4B VMF-214 · F2G-1
F6F Hellcat  F6F-5 · F6F-5N
F8F Bearcat  F8F-1 · F8F-1B
Other countries  ▃Ki-43-II · ▃Ki-61-Ib · ▃A6M2 · ▃Bf 109 F-4 · ▃Fw 190 A-8 · ▃Spitfire LF Mk IXc

USA premium aircraft
Fighters  Thach's F2A-1 · Galer's F3F-2 · F2G-1 · F4U-4B VMF-214 · P-26A-34 · P-40C · P-43A-1
  P-47M-1-RE · ⋠P-47M-1-RE · P-51A · P-51D-10 · P-51D-20-NA · ␠Kingcobra · XP-55
  ▃A6M2 · ▃Ki-43-II · ▃Ki-61-Ib · ▃Bf 109 F-4 · ▃Fw 190 A-8 · ▃Spitfire LF Mk IXc
Twin-engine fighters  XP-38G · Bong's P-38J-15 · P-38K · YP-38 · P-61A-11 · XF5F · XP-50 · F7F-3
Jet fighters  P-59A · F-86F-35 · F-89B · F-89D · F-4S Phantom II · F-5C · F-20A
Strike aircraft  A-1H · A2D-1 · AU-1 · XA-38 · AV-8A · A-6E TRAM · A-10A
Bombers  A-26C-45DT · B-10B · BTD-1 · PBM-3 "Mariner" · PV-2D