The Joy of Flying ~ BF-109 E7

[[=PzG=]-Southernbear]

Hi, I'd like to welcome you, to the first Joy of Flying series.

If this is your first time flying this plane then let me extend to you a greeting to get into it's cockpit and try it out and if you've been with us before allow me to thank you for reading another Post in the Joy of Flying Series.

 

In this Post, the BF-109 E7. A plane that doesn't get much love but hopefully will make you a better pilot at it.

 

Take off:

Now the E7 like many German Fighter aircraft is completely automatic and thus a easy to jump in and fly about in. For taxi she does have some tail wheel steering but due to it's weaker nature using the two front wheel brakes helps a lot. Her take off speed with about 20 flaps (Make sure they are set as they are hand cranked and thus slow) is about 100 kph

 

The Following are tests done on our test range, Stalingrad in the Summer at 500 meters. That way for the majority of maps the air temperature should be the same if not cooler so theoretically these numbers should be the "Do not go over" numbers by which I mean flying the aircraft within these guild lines *should* mean you have no engine troubles what so ever.

 

For people who are new let me explain what the colors for throttle setting mean.

-Green or what is refereed to as "Continuous mode" is an engine setting which means if no damage is taken then the engine will not overheat (typically) and will run until it runs out of fuel.

-Yellow or 'Combat Power or Climb power' typically is a setting you would use in fighters to get extra speed in combat or to climb in a bomber. This mode does lead to an engine over heating eventually but give time for the person to ease back without spontaneous engine disassembly.

-Red or "Emergency Power" or "Take off power" is a engine setting which typically uses the Max power an engine can provide, however be warned. In this setting quite often an engine is operating above it's designed specifications (I.e above 100%) this leads to a lot of stress put on it's parts and while it does over heat the engine much faster than Combat power quite often an engine will suffer what I like to call... "spontaneous engine disassembly" with no real warning and at a random time which is quite important to understand. Sometimes this can be very fast (30s of use in some planes) so only use it as the name implies in emergency or take off situations depending on the plane. 

-Orangish Red "Boost Power" Some planes come with a Boost function which usually means injecting some sort of very combustible fuel (Methanol for example) to get extra power. This has the same effect as Emergency power but can be turned off and on in most planes allowing for more or less power and stress on the engine at any given time.

 

I have both % and ATA measurements (ATA being a Gauge in the cockpit which measures the unit of Atmospheric Pressure for the Manifold of the Engine. ATA is similar to Manifold pressure gauges or RPM, Rotations Per Minute of the propeller/fan of an engine in western aircraft)

 

CONTINUOUS POWER NOTE: For the E7 on a Hot, Summer map while it is continuous it is suggested you keep her at around 57% throttle or 1.1 ATA as she can still get to over heating if left at 100% Continuous for long periods of time.

 

For Combat Power:

Starts at 65% throttle or 1.2 ATA and was tested at max power so about 77% power or 1.29ish ATA which will give you a steady 450kph 

1:40s I received the Over Heat warning but was flashing

5:40s The Over Heat warning became Constant

6:30s Manifold pressure began to fluctuate meaning damaged had be done to the engine

7 minutes the engine froze and suffered complete failure

 

For Emergency Power: 

Starts at 78% throttle or 1.3 ATA and max Emergency power is at 87% or 1.36ish ATA

48s Overheat Warning 

2:10s Engine damaged however as this is EP this could happen faster or slower, your results may vary

2:40s the engine froze and suffered complete failure

 

EP (Boost) Unlike most planes the 109 E7's boost takes effect after you reach 88% throttle or 1.38 ATA with max being, of course, 100% throttle or 1.4 ATA

1:46s No Over heat warning just sudden engine damage

2:07: the engine froze and suffered complete failure

 

Flight performence: She starts to suffer Compression (The air flow being disruped over the control surfaces and thus becoming less responsive) at about 600kph this test was done on the same map at 5000m. If in a uncontrolled dive a suggestion is to lower the flaps slowly to about 4%. This will raise the nose up out the dive but ensure you don't extend them too far or they will rip off and the plane will become uncontrollable. From 8000m on the same map I managed to Max out her Speedometer (700kph is the Max) and use 4% and then 5% flaps once lower and slower to successfully recover from the 90 degree dive at about 300 meters off the ground. She does not rip off parts in a dive it seems.

 

Below are going to be some screenshots of the BF-109 E7's Cockpit to help people I hope you have  enjoyed this first series of, The Joy of Flying.

 

I will attempt to do more of these to help new comers or people who haven't tried the plane out alike but to start will I will probably do planes I enjoy the most.

 

 

 

Edited January 30, 2020 by Southernbear

[Guest deleted@134347]

Great write up!

 

Wanted to add a comment about the Engine temperature. The rads create a serious drag on E7. During the unfortunate 'overheat' messages when you instinctively decide to open water/oil rads to 100% - don't!  The 100% rads will slow down the plane and it will take a really long time for the engine to cool down because of it. Just add 10-15% more rads and watch those temp needles start moving left pretty much right away...

[=FEW=fernando11]

Like the idea if this post. And it's really Easy to grasp.

So thumbs up!

 

But...there are some missconceptions on your post. I'm not an expert, so It's welcome anyone to correct me or add further info if anyone is interested...

The Boost/MW50 injection is not used for it's combustible Energy added(like aftherburner) but is meant for it's cooling and anti knocking properties. You can run a higer Power setting without blowing your engine apart...

This video is excelent on explaining it.

 

Then you talk about ATA, Manifold presure, RPM and the gauge you labeled MANIFOLD PRESURE GAUGE.

ATA is Manifold presure! Or it's equivalent, o think germans mesured MAP on a diferent place, or such. But the idea is the same.

 

On the other hand, the gauge that reads on U/min is literaly RPM. But on the 109, when using normal/automatic  prop pitch. Your RPM depends on your throttle seting and so, it depends on the MAP/ATA. But the gauge is showing the revolutions(U) /minutes.

 

I never tested the radiators and engine settings at such extent as you. But I do agree that open flaps might do More harm than good. BUT this also depends a Lot on situation!

If on a steep climb. Going relative slowly, it's better to open flaps. Your speed wont surfer much, and the rads being open wider will let a Lot more air through and cool the engine a lot better.

On the other hand, if going fast and at a high engine setting, it can be a lot better to just throttle back a bit, the 109 series of planes are quite aerodinamic, and once they have speed, can usualy mantain it with less engine than you think!

 

 

[SCG_OpticFlow]

4 hours ago, Southernbear said:

Hi, I'd like to welcome you, to the first Joy of Flying series.

If this is your first time flying this plane then let me extend to you a greeting to get into it's cockpit and try it out and if you've been with us before allow me to thank you for reading another Post in the Joy of Flying Series.

 

In this Post, the BF-109 E7. A plane that doesn't get much love but hopefully will make you a better pilot at it.

 

Take off:

Now the E7 like many German Fighter aircraft is completely automatic and thus a easy to jump in and fly about in. For taxi she does have some tail wheel steering but due to it's weaker nature using the two front wheel brakes helps a lot. Her take off speed with about 20 flaps (Make sure they are set as they are hand cranked and thus slow) is about 100 kph

 

The Following are tests done on our test range, Stalingrad in the Summer at 500 meters. That way for the majority of maps the air temperature should be the same if not cooler so theoretically these numbers should be the "Do not go over" numbers by which I mean flying the aircraft within these guild lines *should* mean you have no engine troubles what so ever.

 

For people who are new let me explain what the colors for throttle setting mean.

-Green or what is refereed to as "Continuous mode" is an engine setting which means if no damage is taken then the engine will not overheat (typically) and will run until it runs out of fuel.

-Yellow or 'Combat Power or Climb power' typically is a setting you would use in fighters to get extra speed in combat or to climb in a bomber. This mode does lead to an engine over heating eventually but give time for the person to ease back without spontaneous engine disassembly.

-Red or "Emergency Power" or "Take off power" is a engine setting which typically uses the Max power an engine can provide, however be warned. In this setting quite often an engine is operating above it's designed specifications (I.e above 100%) this leads to a lot of stress put on it's parts and while it does over heat the engine much faster than Combat power quite often an engine will suffer what I like to call... "spontaneous engine disassembly" with no real warning and at a random time which is quite important to understand. Sometimes this can be very fast (30s of use in some planes) so only use it as the name implies in emergency or take off situations depending on the plane. 

-Orangish Red "Boost Power" Some planes come with a Boost function which usually means injecting some sort of very combustible fuel (Methanol for example) to get extra power. This has the same effect as Emergency power but can be turned off and on in most planes allowing for more or less power and stress on the engine at any given time.

 

I have both % and ATA measurements (ATA being a Gauge in the cockpit which measures the unit of Atmospheric Pressure for the Manifold of the Engine. ATA is similar to Manifold pressure gauges or RPM, Rotations Per Minute of the propeller/fan of an engine in western aircraft)

 

CONTINUOUS POWER NOTE: For the E7 on a Hot, Summer map while it is continuous it is suggested you keep her at around 57% throttle or 1.1 ATA as she can still get to over heating if left at 100% Continuous for long periods of time.

 

For Combat Power:

Starts at 65% throttle or 1.2 ATA and was tested at max power so about 77% power or 1.29ish ATA which will give you a steady 450kph 

1:40s I received the Over Heat warning but was flashing

5:40s The Over Heat warning became Constant

6:30s Manifold pressure began to fluctuate meaning damaged had be done to the engine

7 minutes the engine froze and suffered complete failure

 

For Emergency Power: 

Starts at 78% throttle or 1.3 ATA and max Emergency power is at 87% or 1.36ish ATA

48s Overheat Warning 

2:10s Engine damaged however as this is EP this could happen faster or slower, your results may vary

2:40s the engine froze and suffered complete failure

 

EP (Boost) Unlike most planes the 109 E7's boost takes effect after you reach 88% throttle or 1.38 ATA with max being, of course, 100% throttle or 1.4 ATA

1:46s No Over heat warning just sudden engine damage

2:07: the engine froze and suffered complete failure

 

Flight performence: She starts to suffer Compression (The air flow being disruped over the control surfaces and thus becoming less responsive) at about 600kph this test was done on the same map at 5000m. If in a uncontrolled dive a suggestion is to lower the flaps slowly to about 4%. This will raise the nose up out the dive but ensure you don't extend them too far or they will rip off and the plane will become uncontrollable. From 8000m on the same map I managed to Max out her Speedometer (700kph is the Max) and use 4% and then 5% flaps once lower and slower to successfully recover from the 90 degree dive at about 300 meters off the ground. She does not rip off parts in a dive it seems.

 

Below are going to be some screenshots of the BF-109 E7's Cockpit to help people I hope you have  enjoyed this first series of, The Joy of Flying.

 

I will attempt to do more of these to help new comers or people who haven't tried the plane out alike but to start will I will probably do planes I enjoy the most.

 

 

 

 

You mention overheating and "the E7 like many German Fighter aircraft is completely automatic". But the Emil is the only 109 in the game with manual radiator controls (both water and oil). I already see that on your screenshot the closest Emil has its water rads completely shut.

 

Also max. combat power is 76% throttle.

[DD_Arthur]

4 hours ago, Southernbear said:

For taxi she does have some tail wheel steering but due to it's weaker nature using the two front wheel brakes helps a lot. Her take off speed with about 20 flaps (Make sure they are set as they are hand cranked and thus slow) is about 100 kph

 

 

The tail wheel on the E7 is a free castor that can be locked in position but is not 'steerable'.

 

Take off with 20 degree flaps at 100kph?   That must be quite exciting

[[=PzG=]-Southernbear]

Well, news to me As for the Miss labeled gauge it is indeed a RPM gauge as the ATA is the manifold pressure gauge...I assumed it was a pressure gauge as it was the first to fluctuate when the engine revived damage

 

As for the engine itself...I used to always test aircraft but have become complacent with 109s as all are usually automatic for instance in my Moscow Career I have had no issues with it due to the colder weather...but its nice to now know 

 

This Series is meant to teach people how to get into a plane an fly it without it essentially exploding underneath them, for the most part, particularly with snow maps the E7 is able to perform more or less fine without the knowledge of the Coolant radiator controls BUT its why we have comments people! so people can share and grow concepts 

 

I have just recently been flying to E7 a lot to get my aim in for hopeful Battle of Britain esk events once Normandy and the Hurricane drops, my next post maybe on the Me 262 a plane I know in and out annnnd one that many people find difficult to start up, hopefully I can help them with this

Edited January 30, 2020 by Southernbear

[FeuerFliegen]

 

13 hours ago, Southernbear said:

CONTINUOUS POWER NOTE: For the E7 on a Hot, Summer map while it is continuous it is suggested you keep her at around 57% throttle or 1.1 ATA as she can still get to over heating if left at 100% Continuous for long periods of time.

 

For Combat Power:

Starts at 65% throttle or 1.2 ATA and was tested at max power so about 77% power or 1.29ish ATA which will give you a steady 450kph 

1:40s I received the Over Heat warning but was flashing

5:40s The Over Heat warning became Constant

6:30s Manifold pressure began to fluctuate meaning damaged had be done to the engine

7 minutes the engine froze and suffered complete failure

 

For Emergency Power: 

Starts at 78% throttle or 1.3 ATA and max Emergency power is at 87% or 1.36ish ATA

48s Overheat Warning 

2:10s Engine damaged however as this is EP this could happen faster or slower, your results may vary

2:40s the engine froze and suffered complete failure

 

EP (Boost) Unlike most planes the 109 E7's boost takes effect after you reach 88% throttle or 1.38 ATA with max being, of course, 100% throttle or 1.4 ATA

1:46s No Over heat warning just sudden engine damage

2:07: the engine froze and suffered complete failure

 

 

I have to disagree with certain parts of this.  Overheating can (and will) damage, and then seize an engine, but you can also damage/seize an engine by simply having high revs and high ATA for too long, even if you keep the engine at perfectly cool engine temps.  Just like when you mentioned that boosted mode, at 1:46 you did not receive an overheat warning message, just sudden engine damage.  At least in this sim, engine damage from overheating and engine damage from over stressing the engine are two different things.

[Nolly]

What does this add to the clear and generally correct instructions that are provided in the in-mission specifications screen and here?:

https://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/25993-aircraft-flight-and-technical-specifications-and-operational-details/

 

And the multiple extemely detailed videos already created by Sheriff, Requiem, Central and others on how to fly any aircraft that has difficulty in operation, and which just needs practice and patience to learn anyway?

 

Not trying to pick holes or shoot you down, any effort to create for the community is highly commendable. Just wondering why spend the effort on a solved problem (the operation of existing planes) when you could channel the energy into something new?

Edited January 31, 2020 by -RS-Nolly

[FeuerFliegen]

24 minutes ago, -RS-Nolly said:

https://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/25993-aircraft-flight-and-technical-specifications-and-operational-details/

 

 

This is somewhat off topic from what we're currently discussing, but can anyone confirm the type of cannons that the Bf109 E-7 has?

 

On the specifications above, it says "2 x 20mm gun "MG FF", 60 rounds, 540 rounds per minute, wing-mounted"

 

I was under the impression that the Bf109 E models, E-4 and later, all had MG FF/M 20mm cannons, and NOT the older MG FF 20mm cannon.

[NiiranenVR]

Take a look 

 

[danielprates]

What a weird post @Southernbear. Are you setting yourself to write flight manuals for some or all planes? Sorry if I sound like a buzz-killer saying this, but it is probably a bad, bad idea. Friendly warning, 'tis all.

[Gambit21]

The E is the only 109 that I’d bother with.

[itsbillyfrazier]

Advertised? You think he is selling his plane guide for money?

 

The guy took some time out to make a plane guide for the community, to offer some help, gratis!

 

Fair enough, he made a couple of errors here and there, but who doesn't?  Just say something along the lines of "hey bud, think you might need to correct X in your guide"

 

Looking at some of the spelling and punctuation used by the critics here, one begins to wonder...

 

Total lack of respect and manners.

 

(Edited upon request & my apologies for calling other members "dicks")

Edited February 3, 2020 by itsbillyfrazier

[MasserME262]

9 hours ago, Gambit21 said:

The E is the only 109 that I’d bother with.

is the second time I read you in this forum sayin that. Why is it tho?

[Lusekofte]

14 hours ago, Gambit21 said:

The E is the only 109 that I’d bother with.

I agree. I had some sessions with the G6 in QMB because it is a plane I read so much about.  But the E7 is a real treat 

5 hours ago, ME-BFMasserME262 said:

is the second time I read you in this forum sayin that. Why is it tho?

Because truth can’t be told too many times

5 hours ago, itsbillyfrazier said:

[edited]

Please remove this, it ruin a otherwise good post. You will get attention from admins

Edited February 3, 2020 by SYN_Haashashin

[MasserME262]

24 minutes ago, LuseKofte said:

But the E7 is a real treat 

I have better performance in a 109 F2 than in a E7 in berloga. Not that playing on Berloga is the best way to jugde planes, but anyways. Same against AI. Dont ask me why, I used to think the F2 was total crap and now is one of my favorites one, if no the favorite, amongst G2.

 

24 minutes ago, LuseKofte said:

Please remove this, it ruin a otherwise good post. You will get attention from admins

+1

Edited February 3, 2020 by ME-BFMasserME262
grammar

[Tipsi]

6 hours ago, ME-BFMasserME262 said:

is the second time I read you in this forum sayin that. Why is it tho?

 

Just a troll. Don't listen to him. ?

[Gambit21]

8 hours ago, ME-BFMasserME262 said:

is the second time I read you in this forum sayin that. Why is it tho?

 

It has that visceral, “early war” feel that I love. It’s a dogfighter; it feels capable without feeling overly engineered or modern. It’s just early war really, and I tend to enjoy the feel of those aircraft more. 

 

MiG 3 is another good example, the early Yaks...all good. 

 

 

2 hours ago, Tipsi said:

 

Just a troll. Don't listen to me. ?

 

Nobody is - no worries.

Edited February 3, 2020 by Gambit21

[MasserME262]

5 hours ago, Gambit21 said:

It has that visceral, “early war” feel that I love

I think I understand. I have been flying the Rata a lot lately. Also the Mig, they are my fav allied planes by a long shot, flying them its pure joy.

Still, I prefer the F2 over the E7. I dont see it as a "bad F4" but a E7 on steroids instead, even if I do know there's a whole world of difference between those 2.

[Gambit21]

4 minutes ago, ME-BFMasserME262 said:

I think I understand. I have been flying the Rata a lot lately. Also the Mig, they are my fav allied planes by a long shot, flying them its pure joy.

Still, I prefer the F2 over the E7. I dont see it as a "bad F4" but a E7 on steroids instead, even if I do know there's a whole world of difference between those 2.

 

F4 is great too - pure dogfighter.

The I16 basically epitomizes what I’m talking about - especially with that open cockpit. I flew it all the time in the old sim, but haven’t had much time in it in BoX unfortunately.

[Reggie_Mental]

1 hour ago, Gambit21 said:

 

F4 is great too - pure dogfighter.

The I16 basically epitomizes what I’m talking about - especially with that open cockpit. I flew it all the time in the old sim, but haven’t had much time in it in BoX unfortunately.

 

7 hours ago, Gambit21 said:

MiG 3 is another good example, the early Yaks...all good. 

The perceived wisdom was don't get into a turning dogfight in a MiG3 with E or F model 109s. 

 

Well, I have frequently and emerged as the victor in most cases. The MiG3, Yak1 and I16 (with 20mm ShVAKs) are the best Soviet aircraft in the game IMO

 

Each must be flown to their strengths and avoid their weaknesses. Knowing who to avoid and who you can match help. Basic rule: Go for bombers, avoid fighters 

 

In the I16, although you can outturn everybody, but you haven't the speed to get away. You are difficult to hit because you are so small. And your cannon firepower will shred a bomber easily.

The MiG has pretty much everything it needs, but if it goes all Pete Tong on you, dive away and open the throttle.

The Yak1 Ser69 has maneuverability, firepower and speed.

 

At the other end of the scale...

The LaGG3 is tolerable. But only because of it's powerful armament. 

The LA5FN is a clumsy oxen of an aeroplane and I hate everything about it

The P39 is an over engineered, over armed very clever milk float and flies like one. No wonder the RAF slated it and the USAAC weren't too keen either.

And the P40D....Is it powered by a rubber band? Great for bimbling about looking all mean and scary with your 6x.50s and sharkmouth paint job, but no combat power at all with that asthmatic engine.