Difference between revisions of "Bf 109 K-4"

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(Offensive armament)
(Edits)
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<!-- ''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_Bf109K4.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
[[File:GarageImage_Bf109K4.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
+
{{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 K-4 is the pinnacle of the famed [[Bf_109_(Disambiguation)|109 series]]. The ''''K'''urfürst' frame is the last iteration and was focused on ease of production rather than performance, yet it features the best power to weight ratio and acceleration of any 109, turning this machine into a beast. However, the age of the design is reflected in its poor high-speed characteristics.
 
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 K-4 is the pinnacle of the famed [[Bf_109_(Disambiguation)|109 series]]. The ''''K'''urfürst' frame is the last iteration and was focused on ease of production rather than performance, yet it features the best power to weight ratio and acceleration of any 109, turning this machine into a beast. However, the age of the design is reflected in its poor high-speed characteristics.
  
Use the plane's outstanding climb rate and keep speed. Energy fighting tactics should be this plane's primary mode of fighting. It has good acceleration when using WEP. This grants the machine reasonable zoom climbing abilities. If chased, dodge away from the enemy with fancy manoeuvres without losing too much speed. In Realistic Battles, try to do a climbing spiral, but be sure to be in a higher energy state than the enemy! A miscalculation and the foe will have the opportunity for an easy deflection shot.
+
Use the plane's outstanding climb rate and speed retention. Energy fighting tactics should be this plane's primary mode of fighting. It has good acceleration when using WEP. This grants the machine reasonable zoom climbing abilities. If chased, dodge away from the enemy with fancy manoeuvres without losing too much speed. In Realistic Battles, try to do a climbing spiral, but be sure to be in a higher energy state than the enemy! A miscalculation and the foe will have the opportunity for an easy deflection shot.
  
 
However, there are also downsides. The top speed can be reached quickly, yet the plane is not fast when stock. While it does have an edge in agility, it has bad low-speed manoeuvrability. Furthermore, foes will not usually engage in manoeuvring combat, rendering any manoeuvrability advantage moot.
 
However, there are also downsides. The top speed can be reached quickly, yet the plane is not fast when stock. While it does have an edge in agility, it has bad low-speed manoeuvrability. Furthermore, foes will not usually engage in manoeuvring combat, rendering any manoeuvrability advantage moot.
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== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
=== Flight performance ===
<!--[[File:109 K4 horsepower chart.png||right|450px|thumb|]]-->
 
 
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
 
''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"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
+
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
 
|-
 
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 
|-
 
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,000 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,000 m)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
Line 37: Line 32:
 
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 
|-
 
|-
| 685 || 665 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.3 || 21.1 || 18 || 18 || 333
+
! Stock
 +
| 685 || 665 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.3 || 21.1 || colspan="2" | 18 || rowspan="2" | 333
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
+
! Upgraded
|-
+
| 759 || 720 || 18.3 || 19.0 || 32.2 || 23.8
! 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
 
|-
 
| 759 || 720 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 18.3 || 19.0 || 32.2 || 23.8 || 333
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
+
! colspan="6" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
+
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
 
|-
 
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
+
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! 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
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
! + !! -
+
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 460 || ~13 || ~6
+
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 460 || ___ || 260 || ~13 || ~6
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| 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
 
| < 450 || < 390 || < 450 || > 715
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
+
! Compressor
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
 
|-
 
 
! Optimal altitude
 
! Optimal altitude
 
! 100% Engine power
 
! 100% Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
 +
! Setting 1
 
| 6,900 m || 1,250 hp || 1,775 hp
 
| 6,900 m || 1,250 hp || 1,775 hp
 
|-
 
|-
Line 111: Line 93:
  
 
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200px">
 
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200px">
File:All armor.png|All the armour plates on the 109 K-4<br>Red = 60 mm bullet proof glass plates<br>Yellow = 21 mm steel plate behind the fuel tank<br>Teal = 4 mm steel plate covering the exterior of the fuel tank and pilot's seat.<br>Green = 8 mm steel plate covering the back rest of the pilot's seat<br>Yellowish green = 10 mm of steel surrounding the 60 mm bulletproof glass behind the pilot
+
File:All armor.png|All the armour plates on the 109 K-4<br>Red = 60 mm bullet proof glass plates<br>Yellow = 21 mm steel plate behind the fuel tank<br>Teal = 4 mm steel plate covering the exterior of the fuel tank and pilot's seat.<br>Green = 8 mm steel plate covering the back rest of the pilot's seat<br>Yellowish green = 10 mm of steel surrounding the 60 mm bulletproof glass behind the pilot
 
File:Fuel tank 109 K4.png|Picture of the giant fuel tank the pilot is sitting on (self-sealing)
 
File:Fuel tank 109 K4.png|Picture of the giant fuel tank the pilot is sitting on (self-sealing)
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
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=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
{{main|MK 108 (30 mm)|MG 151/20 (20 mm)|MG 131 (13 mm)}}
+
{{main|MK 108 (30 mm)|MG 151 (20 mm)|MG 131 (13 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
+
* A choice between two presets:
* A choice between two presets:
+
** 1 x 30 mm MK 108 cannon, nose-mounted (65 rpg) + 2 x 13 mm MG 131 machine guns, nose-mounted (300 rpg = 600 total)
* * 1 x 30 mm MK 108 cannon, nose-mounted (65 rpg) + 2 x 13 mm MG 131 machine guns, nose-mounted (300 rpg = 600 total)
+
** 1 x 20 mm MG 151 cannon, nose-mounted (200 rpg) + 2 x 13 mm MG 131 machine guns, nose-mounted (300 rpg = 600 total)
* * 1 x 30 mm MK 108 cannon, nose mounted (65 rpg) + 2 x 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon, wing-mounted (200 rpg) + 2 x 13 mm MG 131 machine guns, nose-mounted (300 rpg = 600 total)
 
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
{{main|MG 151/20 (20 mm)}}
+
{{main|MG 151 (20 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
+
* Without load
* Without load
+
* 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons, wing-mounted (135 rpg = 270 total)
* 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons, wing-mounted (135 RPG = 270 total)
 
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
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[[File:Cockpit_Bf109k4.jpg|thumbnail|right|The Bf 109 K-4's instrument panel.]]
 
[[File:Cockpit_Bf109k4.jpg|thumbnail|right|The Bf 109 K-4's instrument panel.]]
  
The MK 108 is a double-edged sword: Nicknamed by the allies for its characteristic sound, the `''Jackhammer''´ lives true to its name. Slow but powerful. Its '''main purpose''': Demolition of heavy objects, such as flying fortresses such as the B-17G. However, its '''common''' '''purpose''' in War Thunder remains to hunt fighter planes. The cannon's rate of fire is extremely low, making it good for conserving ammo, but bad for deflection shots. Furthermore, the minengeschoß-shells are slow- very slow. One must either become very good at leading the shells or close the distance. Kills are generally done from 300 meters away, if not closer. On the plus side, the damage is equivalent to most 37 mm cannons upon hitting. Tip: In order to better learn and understand the cannon's trajectory, do not fire in conjunction with the machine guns.
+
The MK 108 is a double-edged sword: Nicknamed by the allies for its characteristic sound, the `''Jackhammer''´ lives true to its name. Slow but powerful. Its '''main purpose''': Demolition of heavy objects, such as the B-17G Flying Fortress. However, its '''common purpose''' in War Thunder remains to hunt fighter planes. The cannon's rate of fire is extremely low, making it good for conserving ammo, but bad for deflection shots. Furthermore, the minengeschoß-shells are slow- very slow. One must either become very good at leading the shells or close the distance. Kills are generally done from 300 meters away, if not closer. On the plus side, the damage is equivalent to most 37 mm cannons upon hitting. Tip: In order to better learn and understand the cannon's trajectory, do not fire in conjunction with the machine guns.
  
The two additional machine guns are best fired alone. The MG 131 features HE shells (named IAI in-game) as the ''Tracer belt''. Yet they are only highly effective in Simulator battles, where they will deal good damage to control surface areas, causing inexperienced pilots to lose control. In Arcade and Realistic battles, however, the instructor will dampen any such effects. Here, the damage-based ''Stealth'' and ''Fighter'' belts fare better.
+
The two additional machine guns are best fired alone. The MG 131 features HE shells (named IAI in-game) as the ''Tracer belt''. Yet they are only highly effective in Simulator battles, where they will deal good damage to control surface areas, causing inexperienced pilots to lose control. In Arcade and Realistic battles, however, the instructor will dampen any such effects. Here, the damage-based ''Stealth'' and ''Fighter'' belts fare better.
  
 
The plane should equip one of two load-outs: with either the single 30 mm cannon or 2 x 20 mm cannons. The single 30 mm is very capable of taking out 2-3 bombers and the low muzzle velocity matters less due to the large targets. The 3 x 20 mm cannons are very capable of taking out fighters due to the high shell density and sheer damage output. A single 20 mm does not deal enough damage and the 30 mm with gun pods is rather ineffective due to the differing muzzle velocities of the 30 mm and 20 mm cannons.
 
The plane should equip one of two load-outs: with either the single 30 mm cannon or 2 x 20 mm cannons. The single 30 mm is very capable of taking out 2-3 bombers and the low muzzle velocity matters less due to the large targets. The 3 x 20 mm cannons are very capable of taking out fighters due to the high shell density and sheer damage output. A single 20 mm does not deal enough damage and the 30 mm with gun pods is rather ineffective due to the differing muzzle velocities of the 30 mm and 20 mm cannons.
Line 207: Line 187:
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
 
 
* Very powerful engine when using WEP, providing excellent acceleration and climb rate
 
* Very powerful engine when using WEP, providing excellent acceleration and climb rate
 
* Manual engine control can extend the climb rate and top speed in realistic and simulator battles
 
* Manual engine control can extend the climb rate and top speed in realistic and simulator battles
Line 220: Line 199:
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
 
 
* Low cannon ammunition count for the 30 mm MK 108 cannon and the 13 mm MG 131 machine guns
 
* Low cannon ammunition count for the 30 mm MK 108 cannon and the 13 mm MG 131 machine guns
 
* Low velocity 30 mm shell with a high drop, resulting in a VERY large lead angle on targets in turn leading to poor dogfight performance due to having to pull extreme turns to get guns on target
 
* Low velocity 30 mm shell with a high drop, resulting in a VERY large lead angle on targets in turn leading to poor dogfight performance due to having to pull extreme turns to get guns on target
Line 258: Line 236:
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
<!--''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''-->
+
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
 
 
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
 
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
  
Line 288: Line 265:
 
* Yakovlev [[Yak-1]]
 
* Yakovlev [[Yak-1]]
 
* Yakovlev [[Yak-9]]
 
* 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;''
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
+
* ''other literature.''
* ''other literature.''
 
  
 
{{Germany fighters}}
 
{{Germany fighters}}

Revision as of 08:27, 3 December 2019

VTOL | Rank 5 USA
AV-8A Harrier Pack
bf-109k-4.png
Bf 109 K-4
AB RB SB
6.3 5.7 5.7
Class:
Research:71 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:210 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the German fighter Bf 109 K-4. For other uses, see Bf 109 (Family).

Description

GarageImage Bf 109 K-4.jpg


The Bf 109 K-4 is a rank IV German fighter with a battle rating of 6.3 (AB) and 5.7 (RB/SB). It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. The K-4 is the pinnacle of the famed 109 series. The 'Kurfürst' frame is the last iteration and was focused on ease of production rather than performance, yet it features the best power to weight ratio and acceleration of any 109, turning this machine into a beast. However, the age of the design is reflected in its poor high-speed characteristics.

Use the plane's outstanding climb rate and speed retention. Energy fighting tactics should be this plane's primary mode of fighting. It has good acceleration when using WEP. This grants the machine reasonable zoom climbing abilities. If chased, dodge away from the enemy with fancy manoeuvres without losing too much speed. In Realistic Battles, try to do a climbing spiral, but be sure to be in a higher energy state than the enemy! A miscalculation and the foe will have the opportunity for an easy deflection shot.

However, there are also downsides. The top speed can be reached quickly, yet the plane is not fast when stock. While it does have an edge in agility, it has bad low-speed manoeuvrability. Furthermore, foes will not usually engage in manoeuvring combat, rendering any manoeuvrability advantage moot.

K-4 can outmanoeuvre these planes at medium speeds (<450 km/h IAS): P-51 (all types), P-47D, Typhoons and the La-9. However, it will have a hard time dealing with other late Rank IV aircraft, especially Spitfires. It is highly recommended to use rudder during rolls as this increases the roll rate dramatically. This is useful if when trying to force an overshoot or when avoiding shots.

General info

Flight performance

Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 6,000 m)
Max altitude
(meters)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 685 665 12800 20.3 21.1 18 333
Upgraded 759 720 18.3 19.0 32.2 23.8

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
X X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
460 ___ 260 ~13 ~6
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 450 < 390 < 450 > 715
Compressor Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
Setting 1 6,900 m 1,250 hp 1,775 hp

Survivability and armour

The 109 K-4 has a very substantial amount of armour around the pilot but is mainly to protect the gigantic fuel tank your pilot is sitting on top off. The fuel tank, however, is self-sealing.

Armaments

Offensive armament

The Bf 109 K-4 is armed with:

  • A choice between two presets:
    • 1 x 30 mm MK 108 cannon, nose-mounted (65 rpg) + 2 x 13 mm MG 131 machine guns, nose-mounted (300 rpg = 600 total)
    • 1 x 20 mm MG 151 cannon, nose-mounted (200 rpg) + 2 x 13 mm MG 131 machine guns, nose-mounted (300 rpg = 600 total)

Suspended armament

Main article: MG 151 (20 mm)

The Bf 109 K-4 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons, wing-mounted (135 rpg = 270 total)

Usage in battles

The Bf 109 K-4's instrument panel.

The MK 108 is a double-edged sword: Nicknamed by the allies for its characteristic sound, the `Jackhammer´ lives true to its name. Slow but powerful. Its main purpose: Demolition of heavy objects, such as the B-17G Flying Fortress. However, its common purpose in War Thunder remains to hunt fighter planes. The cannon's rate of fire is extremely low, making it good for conserving ammo, but bad for deflection shots. Furthermore, the minengeschoß-shells are slow- very slow. One must either become very good at leading the shells or close the distance. Kills are generally done from 300 meters away, if not closer. On the plus side, the damage is equivalent to most 37 mm cannons upon hitting. Tip: In order to better learn and understand the cannon's trajectory, do not fire in conjunction with the machine guns.

The two additional machine guns are best fired alone. The MG 131 features HE shells (named IAI in-game) as the Tracer belt. Yet they are only highly effective in Simulator battles, where they will deal good damage to control surface areas, causing inexperienced pilots to lose control. In Arcade and Realistic battles, however, the instructor will dampen any such effects. Here, the damage-based Stealth and Fighter belts fare better.

The plane should equip one of two load-outs: with either the single 30 mm cannon or 2 x 20 mm cannons. The single 30 mm is very capable of taking out 2-3 bombers and the low muzzle velocity matters less due to the large targets. The 3 x 20 mm cannons are very capable of taking out fighters due to the high shell density and sheer damage output. A single 20 mm does not deal enough damage and the 30 mm with gun pods is rather ineffective due to the differing muzzle velocities of the 30 mm and 20 mm cannons.

One technique you can use is the prop pitch technique. Most of the later 109s have this but it is really effective in the 109 K-4. The prop pitch technique is using Manual Engine Control (found in sim controls) to set your prop pitch to 100% but throttle to 0%. This will make your prop, a giant air brake and is very helpful in forcing overshoots of the enemy aircraft. It can also be very helpful in diving where you might get dangerously close to your rip speed.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Not controllable Controllable
Auto control available
Controllable
Auto control available
Controllable
Auto control available
Separate Not controllable
1 gear
Not controllable

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage repair Radiator Offensive 13 mm MG.151/20 cannon
II Compressor Airframe New 13 mm MGs R4 modification
III Wings repair Engine Offensive 30 mm Offensive 20 mm
IV Engine injection Cover New 30 mm cannons New 20 mm cannons

The true acceleration power of the plane is only achieved very late into the grind. Specifically, the Tier 4 Engine injection modification provides a significant boost and is a top priority. On the way there, all engine upgrades should be taken. 13 mm belts are helpful for removing tracer rounds. The 20 mm gun pods with belts and the gun upgrade are viable choices but engine injection remains a priority.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Very powerful engine when using WEP, providing excellent acceleration and climb rate
  • Manual engine control can extend the climb rate and top speed in realistic and simulator battles
  • Nose mounted weaponry
  • Good performance at medium altitude
  • Good firepower for destroying larger attackers and bombers
  • Can carry additional armament
  • Performance on par with Griffon Spitfires (even better when fully upgraded)
  • 30 mm cannon will usually destroy anything that it hits
  • Can research nose-mounted 20 mm MG 151 cannon, which makes deflection shooting much more reliable
  • Exceptional high-speed manoeuvrability

Cons:

  • Low cannon ammunition count for the 30 mm MK 108 cannon and the 13 mm MG 131 machine guns
  • Low velocity 30 mm shell with a high drop, resulting in a VERY large lead angle on targets in turn leading to poor dogfight performance due to having to pull extreme turns to get guns on target
  • Flimsy airframe, prone to react heavily to damage
  • When aircraft is stock, very heavy and slow to fly without WEP
  • Stock 13 mm machine gun belts consist solely out of tracers which alerts enemy, makes aiming 30 mm difficult
  • Fighters with lower top speeds but better low altitude performances (such as Russia's La-7 fighters) will find it quite easy to run down the K-4 when at a low energy state
  • Very slow deploying flaps

History

The Bf 109 K-4 was one of Kurfurst Bf 109 series, Kurfurst was the last series of 109 before war's end. The K series was the most upgraded and most expensive 109 and with the war coming to an end not many were built. Work on the K series began in the spring of 1943 and prototype was ready by autumn of the same year. The series began production in August 1944 with the K-4 but due to changes to the design and delays with the new DB605D engine, the K-4 was the only one to be mass-produced. Externally, the Kurfurst series had changes in radio equipment location hatch. A filler point for the fuselage fuel tank, and with removal of the D/F loop, were the main external differences to other Bf109 series. The landing gear also had doors that closed up the bottom completely and armament was the Motorkanone 108 (30 mm) , 2 x MG 131 (13 mm), with additional 2 gun pods of MG 151 (20 mm). Payloads included a 500 kg bomb or on rare occasion Wfr.Gr.21 Rockets (21 cm). Due to limited resources, many of the variants didn't enter production.

Variants:

  • R I ETC 501/IX b or Schloß 503belly bomb rack, fusing equipment for fitting a 250 kg (550 lb) or 500 kg (1,100 lb) bomb
  • R III Schloß 503A-1 rack for one fuselage drop tank (300 L/80 US gal).
  • R IV BSK 16 gun-camera in the left-wing between nose ribs 3 and 4.
  • R VI two 20 mm Mauser MG 151/20 underwing gun pods with 135 RPG.
  • K-0 Pre-production aircraft, powered by a DB 605DM engine
  • K-2 proposed version without a pressurized cockpit
  • K-4 only serial production version without pressurized cockpit, powered by a DB 605DM (early on) or DB/DC engine
  • K-6 proposed heavy fighter version, as K-4 with reinforced wings holding two additional 30 mm MK 108 cannons and additional armour
  • K-8 proposed reconnaissance version, equipment similar to G-8
  • K-10 proposed version, similar to K-6, MK 103 M engine cannon instead of MK 108
  • K-12 proposed version, dual-seat trainer similar to G-12
  • K-14 proposed version, similar to K-6, powered by a DB 605L engine

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 109K "Kurfuerst" was the last mass-produced variant of the Bf 109 family. It first reached front-line units in September 1944 (or early 1945, according to other data). The fighter was powered by the Daimler-Benz DB 605 DCM engine and had more powerful armament, with some variants equipped with two 15mm or three 30mm cannon.

Media

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • encyclopedia page on the aircraft;
  • other literature.


Germany fighters
Heinkel 
He 51  He 51 A-1 · He 51 B-1 · He 51 B-2/H · He 51 C-1 · He 51 C-1/L
He 100  He 100 D-1
He 112  He 112 A-0 · He 112 B-0 · He 112 B-1/U2 · He 112 B-2/U2 · He 112 V-5
Messerschmitt 
Bf 109 (Jumo)  Flegel's Bf 109 A · Bf 109 B-1 · Bf 109 C-1
Bf 109 (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
  Foreign:
USA  ▀P-47D-16-RE · ▀P-47D
USSR  ▀La-5FN · ▀Yak-1B
Britain  ▀Tempest Mk V
Italy  ▀CR.42 · ▀Marcolin's C.R.42 CN · ▀G.50 serie 2 · ▀G.50 AS serie 7 · ▀C. 200 serie 3 · ▀C. 200 serie 7 · ▀C. 202
Finland  ▀Hawk H-75A-2