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All informations are taken
from the "site
kit" available on the Il2 officiale website
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(flyable) Airplanes of
Sturmovik - technical data, advantages, disadvantages. |
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:: German airplanes
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- Bf 109 ::
F-2
"Friedrih", 1941 model | G-2
"Gustav", 1942 model | G-6
"Gustav"
- Fw 190 :: A-4,
1942 model | A-5, 1943 model
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:: Soviet Airplanes |
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technical
data, advantages, disadvantages. |
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Bf-109F-2 "Friedrih",
1941 model
Type: Fighter
Weight: Empty: 1,964 kg - Take-off: 2,746 kg.-
Length: 9.05 m
Wingspan: 10.6 m - Wing area: 17.3 sq. m.
Engine: Daimler-Benz DB 601H.
Power: Indicated: 1,200 HP
Speed: - Sea level: 537 km/h. - At 6,000 m: 630km/h.
Climb to 3,000m: 3.1 min.
Service ceiling: 12,000m - Range: 480 km.
Armament: - 2x7,.92mm (MG 17) 1x15 mm (MG 151/15).
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Already at the beginning of 1940, Messerschmitt had started
improving the Bf-109 aircraft. The plan was that the improvements
would involve few changes in production and no specific material
expenditures. Thus it was decided to carry out further development
of the Bf-109 F series (Bf-109F) at the expense of improving
aerodynamics and cutting down the weight of the basic aircraft.
The F-series planes were the first of the serially produced
Bf-109 aircraft to undergo serious modifications in aerodynamic
construction. The propeller fairing was redesigned. It now
passed smoothly into a redesigned engine hood. The designers
managed to place the radiators more compactly in the wing
and the front of the fuselage. The rear part of the fuselage
was considerably strengthened. The aircraft received a new
wing, with large elliptical tips, that made it possible to
increase wingspan and wing area and this in turn led to better
flight characteristics. The tail wheel was now semi-retractable
and the overall gear design was improved. The weight of the
aircraft was reduced by cutting the armaments to two 7.92mm
MG 17 machine guns above the engine and one 15mm cannon (MG
151/15) placed in the propeller hub. It was planned to install
a new Daimler-Benz DB 601E engine (1,350 HP) on all Bf-109
planes of the F series, but these engines only became available
in early 1942 on the Bf-109F-3. Before this modification appeared,
the Bf-109F-0, F-1 and F-2 aircraft were equipped with DB
601H engines (1,200 HP).
Over 2,000 Bf-109F aircraft of all modifications were produced.
Advantages: Excellent performance characteristics.
High maneuverability and good armament. Simple and easily
understood controls.
Disadvantages: Poor rear view from the cockpit. Short range.
Reduced armament.
Bf-109G-2 "Gustav",
1942 model
Type: Fighter
Weight: Empty: 2,255kg. Take-off: 3,100 kg.
Length: 9.05m - Wingspan: 10.6 m - Wing area: 17.3 sq. m.
Engine: Daimler-Benz DB 605A-1.
Power: - Indicated: 1,355 HP
Take-off: 1,475 HP
Speed: - Sea level: 520 km/h. - At 7,000m: 666 km/h.
Turn time at an altitude of 1,000m: ? sec.
Climb to 3,000m: 2.9 min. - Climb in a combat turn: ? m.
Service ceiling: 12,000 m. - Range: 545 km.
Armament: - 2x7.92 mm (MG 17) - 1x20 mm (MG 151/20).
Delays in production of the new Fokke-Wulf
FW-190 fighters resulted in Luftwaffe headquarters asking
Messerschmitt director Willy Messerschmitt to create a new
improved variant on the Bf-109 aircraft - the Bf-109G, equipped
with a new more powerful engine and featuring stronger armament.
The serial Bf-109F aircraft was taken as the basis for the
modification. A Daimler-Benz DB 605A-1 engine (power 1.475
HP) was chosen as a power plant. It could develop 1,355
HP at 6,000m using GM-1 boost (the GM-1 was used on some
G-versions with pressurized cockpits: it was not used on
the Russian front). The new aircraft was supposed to come
with a pressurized cockpit that would prevent pressure drops
at high altitude and would keep the exhaust gases away from
the cockpit.
Serial production of the Bf-109 G series aircraft started
in October 1940 and, by the end of 1942, the Bf-109G had
practically replaced an earlier Bf-109F model. Together
with the FW-190A aircraft, therefore, it comprised the whole
aviation fleet of German day-fighters.
Advantages: One of the best serial front-line
fighters featuring excellent flight characteristics. Strong
armament. Simple and easily understood controls. Very good
maneuverability and acceleration.
Disadvantages: Poor rear view from the cockpit. Heavier
construction. Short range.
Bf-109G-6 "Gustav"
Type: Fighter
Weight: Empty: 2,676kg. - Take-off: 3,153 kg.
Length: 9.05 m. Wingspan: 10.6 m. Wing area: 17.3 sq. m.
Engine: Daimler-Benz DB 605A-1.
Power: Indicated: 1,300 HP - Take-off : 1,550 HP
Speed: Sea level: 505 km/h. At 7,000 m: 640 km/h.
Turn time at an altitude of 1,000 m: ? sec.
Climb to 3,000 m: 3 min. Climb in a combat turn: ? m
Service ceiling: 11,200 m Range: 545 km.
Armament: 2x13 mm (MG 131). 1x20 mm (MG 151/20) or 1x30
mm (MG 108).
The new modification of the Bf-109G-6 aircraft
became the most common mass-produced model of the Bf-109
range. Production began in autumn 1942. The modification
was based on the serial version of the Bf-109G-5, but unlike
that version, the plane was produced without a pressurized
cockpit. Bf-109G-6 construction was developed in such a
way that the armament carried by the aircraft could be changed
or increased with the help of special modification sets.
The modernization of armament was done using a field modification
set ("Ruesetsatz") at local airfields or a factory
modification set ("Umruestaatz") at Messerschmitt
factories.
The Bf-109G-6 late variant became the first Bf-109 aircraft
to be equipped with a 30 mm MG 108 cannon firing through
the propeller hub. However, because of the fact that production
of 30mm MG 108 cannons had just been launched, the first
aircraft of the G-6 series were mounted with 20mm MG 151/20
cannons. Apart from the cannon, the plane was equipped with
two 13mm MG 131 machine guns placed in the front part of
the fuselage (on the outside they looked like "bubbles"
on the upper part of the engine hood, covering the gun mechanisms).
Advantages: Strong armament. Good field
of vision from the cockpit. Simple and easily understood
controls.
Disadvantages: Low speed characteristics. Heavier construction.
Short range.
Bf-109G-6 late "Gustav"
Type: Fighter
Weight: Empty: 2,656 kg. Take-off: 3,143 kg.
Length: 9.05 m. Wingspan: 10.6 m. Wing area: 17.3 sq. m.
Engine: Daimler-Benz DB 605A-1.
Power: Indicated: 1,300 HP; Take-off : 1,550 HP
Speed: Sea level: 510 km/h. At 7,000m: 650 km/h.
Turn time at 1,000 m: ? sec.
Climb to 3,000 m: 2.9 min. Climb in a combat turn: ? m
Service ceiling: 11,200 m Range: 545 km.
Armament: 2x13 mm (MG 131). 1x20 mm (MG 151/20) or 1x30
mm (MG 108).
Given the lack of high-quality aluminum
for aircraft construction in Germany and the increasing
pace of serial production of Bf-109 planes, in 1943 it was
decided to launch the production of Bf-109-G planes with
wooden tail units. This compulsory modification in the construction
of the Bf-109-G did not have much effect on the plane's
flight performance, but it did have a negative effect on
its durability.
One of the positive modifications in the construction of
late-issue Bf-109-G planes was the mounting of a new canopy
on the aircraft: the so-called "Erla Haube". The
new canopy had a simplified, streamlined frame, which considerably
improved aerodynamic characteristics and the cockpit's field
of vision. Additionally, a new armored headrest with thick
armored glass was mounted on the pilot's seat, which enhanced
the field of vision towards the rear.
Advantages: Strong armament. Good field
of vision from the cockpit. Simple and easily understood
controls.
Disadvantages: Low speed characteristics. Wooden construction
of the aircraft tail unit. Short range.
Bf-109G-6/AS "Gustav"
Type: Fighter
Weight: Empty: 2,692 kg. Take-off: 3,148 kg.
Length: 9.05 m. Wingspan- 10.6 m Wing area: 17.3 sq. m.
Engine: Daimler-Benz DB 605ASM.
Power: Indicated: 1,300 HP; Take-off : 2,000 HP
armament:2x13 mm (MG 131). 1x20 mm (MG 151/20) or 1x30 mm
(MG 108).
The low speed characteristics of the Bf-109-G6
inspired Messerschmitt designers to develop a new modified
version with a more powerful Daimler-Benz DB 605ASM engine.
The new engine, using an MW-50 Water-methanol boost, was
able to develop take-off power of about 2,000 HP and provide
power of about 1,800 HP at an altitude of 5,000m. The water-methanol
mixture was in the tank behind the cockpit and its supply
was controlled automatically or manually by the pilot. The
boost could last for 2 minutes and after that a break of
at least 10 minutes was necessary. The main shortcoming
of this new Bf-109-G6 modification was short engine durability,
with flying-time not exceeding 12 hours.
The typical outward feature of the new Bf-109-G/AS modification
was the modified fairings of 13-mm MG 131 machine guns that
were now oblong and less bulging in form.
The aircraft had the same armament and "Erla Haube"
canopy as the previous modifications.
Advantages: Excellent performance characteristics.
Strong armament. Ability to outfly almost any pursuer. Good
field of vision from the cockpit. Simple and easily understood
controls.
Disadvantages: Very low engine durability. Short range.
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- Bf 109 :: F-2
"Friedrih", 1941 model |
G-2 "Gustav", 1942 model
| G-6 "Gustav"
- Fw 190 :: A-4,
1942 model | A-5, 1943 model
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FW-190
A-4, 1942 model
Type: Fighter
Weight: Empty: 3,273 kg. Take-off: 3,989 kg.
Length: 8.860m.
Wingspan: 10.520 m. Wing area: 18.609 sq. m.
Engine: BMW801D-2.
Power: Take-off: 1,780 HP
Speed: Sea level: 520 km/h. At 6,000 m: 625 km/h.
Turn time at 1,000 m: 23-24 sec.
Climb to 5,000 m: 6.8 min.
Climb in a combat turn: 700-750 m.
Service ceiling: 10,500 m. Range: 983 km.
Armament: 2x20 mm (MG FF) + 2x20 mm (MG 151): in the wing.
2x7.9 mm (MG 17). |
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In 1937 the Bf-109 aircraft developed by Messerschmitt was
adopted as the main Luftwaffe fighter. The Reich Ministry
of Aviation's technical department developed a new specification
for fighter development so as not to confine itself to just
one fighter type. Focke-Wulf was one of the numerous companies
that received the specification and set to work on the new
fighter immediately.
A radial BMW 139 engine (rated at 1,550 HP) was chosen for
the new plane. The design was entrusted to a team of developers
led by chief engineer R. Blazer and started in mid-1938. In
the spring of 1939, a first prototype -the FW-190V-1 - was
assembled. It made its first flight on July 1 1939. After
test flights, the prototype was handed over to the Luftwaffe
research center for full-scale trials. In the course of the
tests, the FW-190V-1 displayed excellent flight characteristics,
good stability and simple controls; furthermore, the plane
distinguished itself with its high landing stability thanks
to solid gear with a wide track. Among the shortcomings discovered
when testing were bad field of vision at taxiing caused by
a cumbersome radial engine and constant engine overheating
which led to a temperature increase in the cabin. The cooling
system was re-designed and the aircraft went through further
tests. After that, the construction of the first pre-serial
FW-190V-0 was ordered.
Despite the agreement reached, production of the pre-serial
FW-190 aircraft was postponed. This was due to the fact that
MW had stopped producing the BMW 139 engines intended for
the FW-190. In consequence, a new version of the fighter was
developed - the FW-190V5. The modernized aircraft came with
a BMW 801C-0 engine (1,560 HP) which was much heavier than
the previous engine, and involved strengthening the under-engine
frame. To make up for the heavy engine, the cockpit was moved
almost 30cm back, thereby improving the field of vision and
reducing overheating from the engine. The armament of the
new fighter consisted of two 7.9mm MG 17 machine-guns, two
20mm MG FF wing cannons and two 7.9mm MG 17 machine-guns above
the engine. Wingspan was increased.
In 1941, the FW-190V5 underwent successful flight tests in
this configuration, with some minor improvements, and serial
production began in the spring. It was marked FW-190A-1.
In August 1941, production of a new improved FW-190A-2 modification
started. The armament of the modified fighter consisted of
two 20mm MG FF cannons, two 20mm MG 151/20 machine guns in
the wing and two 7.9mm MG 17 machine-guns above the engine.
The system of weapons selection meant that any pair of cannons
or machine-guns could be used separately or simultaneously.
The aircraft came with an improved BMW801C-2 (rated 1,600
HP at take-off). Armor consisted of armored glass, a 14mm
headrest, an 8mm armored back and small 8mm tiles above, below
and on the sides of the armored back.
The next FW-190 modification was the FW-190A-3 aircraft that
appeared in 1942. The plane was equipped with a new BMW801D-2
engine (rated 1,724 HP at take-off). Among the typical external
features, one should mention the introduction of vent slots
for cooled air on the side panels behind the engine.
In the course of 1942, the FW-190A-3 was gradually replaced
on factory production lines by a new FW-190A-4 modification.
The FW-190A-4 was used for the first time on the Russian front
in the winter of 1942-43.
Advantages: One of the best serial front-line
fighters. Good flight characteristics. Simple and comfortable
to control and maintain. Strong firepower. Good field of
vision from the cockpit. Reliability. Good armor for the
crew and power plant.
Disadvantages: Insufficient field of vision from the cockpit
at taxiing.
FW-190 A-5, 1943 model
Type: Fighter
Weight: Empty: ? kg. Take-off: 4,000 kg.
Length: 8.950 m. Wingspan: 10.520 m Wing area: 18.609 sq.
m.
Engine: BMW-801D-2.
Power: Indicated: ? HP Take-off : 1,800 HP
Speed: Sea level: 530 km/h. At 6,000 m: 625 km/h.
Turn time at 1,000 m: 23-24 sec.
Climb to 5,000 m: 6.8 min. Climb in a combat turn: 700-750
m.
Service ceiling: 10,500 m.
Armament: 2x20 mm (MG 151/20): in the wing. 2x7.9 mm (MG
17).
In April 1943, the new FW-190A-5 model was developed and
serial production began. In contrast to the previous FW-190A-4
modification, the new model had a greater overall length.
The increase in length was caused by the use of a longer
strengthened under-engine frame, which reduced engine vibration
and increased stability. This longer engine frame led to
the appearance of new panels connecting the fuselage with
the engine fairing and one more panel at the bottom of the
fuselage between the wing and the engine. Regulated cowl
flaps were now used to vent cooled air instead of the usual
slots.
A large number of modification sets were developed and tested
for this modification (as in the case of the Bf-109 fighter).
They made it possible for the serial fighter to be retrofitted
into an attack plane, a fighter-bomber, a reconnaissance
aircraft, a night fighter and even a torpedo-carrying fighter.
The multipurpose role of the FW-190A-5 fighter is proved
by the number of sub-modifications that were based on it:
Advantages: Great performance characteristics.
Simple and easy to control and maintain. Strong firepower.
Multifunctional. Good field of vision from the cockpit.
Reliable. Good armor for the crew and power plant.
Disadvantages: Heavier construction leading to lower speed
and reduced maneuverability. Insufficient field of vision
from the cockpit at taxiing.
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- Bf 109 :: F-2
"Friedrih", 1941 model |
G-2 "Gustav", 1942 model
| G-6 "Gustav"
- Fw 190 :: A-4,
1942 model | A-5, 1943 model
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