Got down to South Africa.
Various weather made it difficult to take advantage of a fair few contacts.
Got a large freighter escorted by a destroyer. Daytime. Waves so big I didn't know there was a destroyer until picking it up on sound after submerging. Before diving got an estimated range, bearing and angle on the bow to put something on the chart when I got inside. Waves near the maximum of what could do a periscope attack. Fortunately the initial plot was in favour of not having to do too much work for the rest of the attack plot work. Estimated 6 knots. One G7e, hit just aft of the stack. Target was settling well, but since the destroyer was now closing; decided to fire a G7a at the freighter to finish it rather than risk leaving the scene with it damaged. Took care of that and the destroyer's response was tepid while I was able to get away deep.
When there is extended weather, the fuel economy gets worse. Cut short my stay near South Africa and headed back north. Got a small passenger freighter and small merchant (both day periscope attacks) south of Freetown. When encountering the small freighter it was close to being swamped having trouble making 3-4 knots in the heavy waves. Again, both were wave conditions close to making a periscope attack not possible. Odd to only be seeing masts and the occasional hull of the ship at 1800 meters.
Around Freetown was the go-no-go decision on fuel. Probably could have made it back home but stopped at the Canary Islands to top off on fuel. Near to being the last month this resource was available (August 1942). 71 days. Hate ending a patrol with so many torpedoes onboard.
Got back out with the goal of getting home and getting some score on the way. The boat needs a repair period. North of the Canary Islands then east of the Azores for awhile then home. Got a small freighter and small tanker traveling together. Brazilian flags. Checked. Were now on the enemy list. 1 miss each. 1 hit each.
Off the Azores now to see how this shakes out. After getting home, will ask for a south Caribbean patrol.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Leoz
Got back from the states with 38k tons. Prepped for new patrol.
Upgraded hydrophones
Bought sonar (only to be used to get some range and bearing help on periscope attacks where there are no escorts.)
And some BOLD decoys.
Maxed out the crew. Full boat with SH Commander.
Picked my patrol to be NW of South Africa and off we go...
IXC has good fuel economy .... remembering the game only understands a 2D map and not the curve of the earth.
Crash dived a few times on the way down after seeing a destroyer only.
Almost got to the patrol area, dark dark night. Small convoy. Destroyer leading a ten thousand ton freighter and some smaller ship.
Forgot it was 1942 and got a bit close to the escort on the surface. It must have had radar. Came right for me on a steady course. Crash dive.
After some hours, came back up and continued to my patrol area.
Rain. Will wait this out at a very low speed to burn less fuel.
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