Looking for tips on flying the 109e

[jollyFE]

Since the "e" is going to be prominent in the pcoming BoB scenario, I thought it'd be good see what folks think of this bird.  Are there any dos and donts with this model of the 109.  I think we all know that is gun package isn't the greatest but it seems if ou can get close it will do

[titanic3]

Eh, since we're focusing on the BoB event, I feel the Spit outclasses it in every way down low besides roll rate. Tried a few DA matches with it against a squadmate, Spit I kicked the Emil's butt whenever I didn't stall in the middle of a loop. Not sure how Emil vs SpitI does at high alt though.

[USRanger]

If a spit1 or hurri1 is on your six, push forward into a negative G dive.  If the spit or hurri tries to follow, their engine will die unless they go inverted first.  So outdiving can save you life.  Only use your cannon when you have a perfect shot.  Use the MGs to set up the shot, then hit him with the slug.  Good to see you Jolly, my old dear friend. <S>

[Karnak]

Eh, since we're focusing on the BoB event, I feel the Spit outclasses it in every way down low besides roll rate. Tried a few DA matches with it against a squadmate, Spit I kicked the Emil's butt whenever I didn't stall in the middle of a loop. Not sure how Emil vs SpitI does at high alt though.

Firepower.  One on one favors the Spit, but many on many is much more even or in favor of the Bf109Es as they don't have to saddle up for long sustained hits as the Spit I and Hurri I do.

[FTJR]

Dont read the BB whilst flying it

[titanic3]

Firepower.  One on one favors the Spit, but many on many is much more even or in favor of the Bf109Es as they don't have to saddle up for long sustained hits as the Spit I and Hurri I do.

Hmm, good point. Firepower was the reason I asked the squad to fly 110C instead, until I learned they weren't going to escort the Heinkels and Junkers. Can't pick Spits and Hurris going for the bombers  .

[Tank-Ace]

High altitude favors the 109E in your typical scenario fight. The reason being that the spits won't maneuver as well, due to the thin air, and can't effectively make snapshots, due to their low damage output. However, the 109's are perfectly capable of making snapshots.

[BaldEagl]

High altitude favors the 109E in your typical scenario fight. The reason being that the spits won't maneuver as well, due to the thin air, and can't effectively make snapshots, due to their low damage output. However, the 109's are perfectly capable of making snapshots.

"Damage output" only matters if you aren't hitting the pilot in the head.

[Randy1]

 I suggest you fly dead straight at 5K.  Kind of like trolling for the big fish.  Wait for the red to get inside 200 out on your 6 before you do anything to keep them from being scared away.  Then you got'em.

Keep in mind this takes a lot of practice to get it right.

I just hope all 109 sticks don't adopt this surefire technique.  I kind of feel bad about sharing this secret.

[Debrody]

I suggest you fly dead straight at 5K.  Kind of like trolling for the big fish.  Wait for the red to get inside 200 out on your 6 before you do anything to keep them from being scared away.  Then you got'em.

Keep in mind this takes a lot of practice to get it right.

I just hope all 109 sticks don't adopt this surefire technique.  I kind of feel bad about sharing this secret.

no need for trolling, thanks.

[jollyFE]

Great advice Randy......I'll have to give it a try.



(Previous comment heavily imbedded with sarcasm)

[Nashorn]

I suggest you fly dead straight at 5K.  Kind of like trolling for the big fish.  Wait for the red to get inside 200 out on your 6 before you do anything to keep them from being scared away.  Then you got'em.

Keep in mind this takes a lot of practice to get it right.

I just hope all 109 sticks don't adopt this surefire technique.  I kind of feel bad about sharing this secret.

works in many planes, take the typhoon , I left mine at 3k on autopilot, went to get a drink, just in time to see the P38 miss will all his bullets overshoot then go into an unrecoverable flat spin all the way to his death

[Karnak]

High altitude favors the 109E in your typical scenario fight. The reason being that the spits won't maneuver as well, due to the thin air, and can't effectively make snapshots, due to their low damage output. However, the 109's are perfectly capable of making snapshots.

This is backwards.  The higher the alt the better it is for the Spit I.  The climb/acceleration rates get closer to the Bf109E's and the thin air affects both, not just the Spitfire, so the Spitfire maintains its maneuverability advantage.  Snapshots, of course, continue to greatly favor the Bf109E.

[Oldman731]

If a spit1 or hurri1 is on your six, push forward into a negative G dive.  If the spit or hurri tries to follow, their engine will die unless they go inverted first.  So outdiving can save you life.  Only use your cannon when you have a perfect shot.  Use the MGs to set up the shot, then hit him with the slug.  Good to see you Jolly, my old dear friend.

Good advice.  Spit I v Emil is the best historical fight that AH has to offer.  Emil can use its flaps to better advantage than the Spit.  Don't worry so much about turn fighting, the Spit is better but not by a lot.  Emil needs quite a bit of rudder input.  As with the 8-gun British planes, close in to 250 yards or so before firing, the MG-FFs have softball-like trajectories.

- oldman

[morfiend]

This is backwards.  The higher the alt the better it is for the Spit I.  The climb/acceleration rates get closer to the Bf109E's and the thin air affects both, not just the Spitfire, so the Spitfire maintains its maneuverability advantage.  Snapshots, of course, continue to greatly favor the Bf109E.

 THX. Karnak.

  There's a small window when the 109E can gain an advantage on the spit in a turn,as Oldman said it's flaps are more effective as they can be deployed about 40mph higher than the spit. It's this small window where a smart 109 pilot can catch a spit in a turn but unless you have the alt to work with that window closes far too fast.

  Guns are a wash IMHO you get 7 seconds of cannon on the 109 then you have 2 bbguns verses the spits 8 so in my books it's too close to call.

  Another player mentioned neg G's yes,yes,yes try to use this whenever you can,if you can get the spit slow and force it into neg G state it will just flutter down and you don't need to waist those 7 seconds of cannon......


 as always YMMV.