Bf 109 E-7

The Bf 109 E-7, nicknamed Emil, is a fighter aircraft available as part of "Battle of Moscow". In addition to serving as a fighter, it is often used in as a Jabo, or fighter-bomber. It is the earliest variant of the Bf 109 available in IL-2 Sturmovik.

Gameplay
The Bf 109 E-7 is similar to other variants of the type, with a few special controls and different handling characteristics.

Essential Controls
Unique among 109 variants, the oil and water radiators must be controlled manually. These controls are mapped the same as other planes featuring manual oil and water radiators. Other engine controls, such as RPM, mixture and supercharger do not need to be controlled manually, although manual propeller pitch is available. It is recommended by the in-game notes to use manual propeller pitch during taxiing.

Like other 109 variants, the E-7 features an adjustable horizontal stabilizer. This is used similarly to pitch trim, but is also essential for high speed maneuvering and pulling out of a steep dive. This control is separate from other aircraft elevator trim controls. The aircraft has no other in-flight trimmers. As a result, heavy use of the rudder is required for level flight.

In all other respects, the E-7 is controlled like other 109 variants, including a lockable freely rotating tail wheel and independent left and right toe brakes.

Takeoff Procedure
The adjustable stabilizer should be set to +1°. The canopy should be closed to prevent damage. The tail wheel should be locked. Flaps and emergency power are not necessary in most scenarios.

Pull back on the stick and use right rudder while gradually increasing power. Lift off between 140 and 170 km/h, depending on weight.

Flight and Combat Handling
Due to its squared wing tips and other characteristics, the E-7 has a greater roll rate than later 109 variants. It also has greater turn rate. On the downside, the E-7's maximum speed and climb rate are lower than later variants.

In the opinions of many pilots, these characteristics make the E-7 better at turn fighting compared to the booming and zooming techniques preferred in other 109s.

In addition, the 20mm cannons have little ammo, and are spaced quite far down the wing, making long range shots difficult. The best course of action to use them is waiting until you are within range of your convergeance, as at further ranges the spread is too great to use effectively. (Whilst this sounds obvious, the spacing is truely vast, and keeping this in mind allows tactical precise cannon fire, instead of a blazing volley of missed shots.)

Landing Procedure
The adjustable stabilizer should be set to -4°..-5°. The tail wheel should be locked. Flaps should be deployed, up to their maximum of 42° depending on pilot preference.

Glide slope speed: 180..190 km/h Landing speed: 130..140 km/h Landing angle: 14.3°

Specifications
* at sea level on emergency power

Flight Endurance
Flight endurance at 3000 m: 2.2 h, at 350 km/h IAS. Fuel load: 304 kg / 400 l

Armament
Forward firing guns: 2 x 20mm gun "MG FF", 60 rounds, 540 rounds per minute, wing-mounted 2 x 7.92mm machine gun "MG 17", 1000 rounds, 1200 rounds per minute, synchronized

Additional Configurations
4 x 55 kg General Purpose Bombs SC 50 Additional mass: 260 kg Ammunition mass: 220 kg Racks mass: 40 kg Estimated speed loss before drop: 53 km/h Estimated speed loss after drop: 13 km/h

249 kg General Purpose Bomb SC 250 Additional mass: 279 kg Ammunition mass: 249 kg Racks mass: 30 kg Estimated speed loss before drop: 34 km/h Estimated speed loss after drop: 11 km/h

Removed pilot armoured headrest for improved field of view Weight savings: 8 kg Estimated speed loss: 0 km/h

Additional pilot protection: armoured triplex wind screen Additional mass: 20 kg Estimated speed loss: 1 km/h

Additional protection: armoured plates on bottom of plane Additional mass: 89 kg Estimated speed loss: 4 km/h

Engine Specifications
Engine Model: DB-601A

Temperatures
Water rated temperature in engine output: 94 °C Water maximum temperature in engine output: 100 °C Oil rated temperature in engine intake: 30..75 °C Oil maximum temperature in engine intake: 80 °C Oil rated temperature in engine output: 95 °C Oil maximum temperature in engine output: 105 °C

Weights
Empty weight: 2049 kg Minimum weight (no ammo, 10% fuel): 2340 kg Standard weight: 2614 kg Maximum takeoff weight: 2893 kg Useful load: 844 kg

Dimensions
Length: 8.8 m Wingspan: 9.9 m Wing surface: 16.4 m2

History
The Bf 109 E-7 was the next iteration of E-4, entering service in August 1940. The primary difference was the addition of a center rack which allowed the E-7 to carry a drop tank. This rack could also be used to carry a bomb, leading to the E-7's extensive use as a Jabo ground attacker in addition to the 109's traditional fighter duties. Beginning in the end of 1940, earlier Emil varieties were retrofitted with this rack as well.