[KaleunMarco]

Originally Posted by JANXOL

This brings several main points and questions:
1. What is the range at which a surfaced submarine will be spotted? I was spotted way before my crew spotted and reported the convoy. I also heard RFB escorts don't exactly have x-ray vision.

depending on the mod, 6 - 7 nm on the surface. playing FOTRSU, i've been spotted further out

Originally Posted by JANXOL

2. What is the hydrophone range? I am fairly certain its not the one listed in the equipment tab, since you can hear convoys well beyond visual range.

that's an excellent observation. like real life, sonar reception depends on many things. no need to go into minute details. use the published specs as a base line. if you detect further out it is a bonus.

Originally Posted by JANXOL

3. What are good tips and tactics for sneaking past escorts and generally approaching the convoy?

as some of the others have indicated, try to get in front of the convoy's base track while on the surface because you can make much better speed on the surface. do your surface outside run at least 7 nm from the DD's on whatever side you are on. try to make it more than 7 nm if possible. use the nomograph to calculate how much ahead of the convoy you need to be in order to be in good firing position. then dive, below the thermal later if possible. make your approach, trying to stay behind the dd's. when they (DD's) pass rise to periscope depth, fire as many torpedos as you have time and then dive under the therm. when you do that, decide whether you are going to try and make another run at the convoy or just escape and hunt somewhere else. if you are going to re-engage, try and use the same philosophy as you just used.
keep in mind the old naval adage: no plan lasts longer than the first shots fired.
you will need to learn what your boat and crew can accomplish and what they cannot accomplish and then keep refining your battle technique.
good luck.