             The Messerschmitt Bf109F-4/Tropical

The Bf109F series differed from the Bf109E in that the wing
mounted MG FF cannon were discarded for a single MG151 cannon
firing through the propellor hub.  This increased the
maneuverability somewhat, and concentrated the firepower
better.  It had a rack for either a 79 gallon drop tank or a
551 pound SC 250 bomb beneath the centerline.  The
tropicalized version was delivered in late 1941 to I/JG 27 in
North Africa to replace their Bf109F-2/Trop aircraft.  The
tropicalization process consisted of adding a dust filter
over the superchanger air intake, and the provision of desert
survival gear, including a carbine.  Armament consisted of
two cowling mounted MG17 7.9mm machineguns with 500 rounds
per gun and an engine-mounted MG 151 20mm cannon with 150
rounds.
Top speed was 388 mph at 21,325 feet, with a range of 528
miles with drop tank.  Cruise speed was 332 mph, and the
ceiling was 34,450.

TO USE THIS PLANE: This plane has no unusual characteristics
or devices other that the choice between a drop tank, a 551
pound bomb, or no attachment for the centerline.

Created by Gregory M. "Sturmer" Smith

 
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