Are you playing the Stock version of the game, or do you have a mod or two activated? Most of the dates for equipment changes on the subs are controlled by the subs' UPC file. As an example, in your game folder, go through Data \ Submarine \ NSS_Gato \ NSS_Gato.upc, and open it with a text editor. The other subs have their own folders. Be careful though, not to change anything, else you might "bomb" your boats digitally... The Gar in most mods uses the Gato's 3D files.
As an example of what mods do, in FotRSU, the Gar boat starts with a "standard" conn. Then gets a "MedWar" version May of 1942, a "LateWar" version in January 1943, and if you're still alive and still on the same boat, it gets the "Elite" version January of 1944. In Stock, you start with a "StockEarlyWar" version, go to the "MedWar" version January 1942, and a "LateWar" version January 1943. There is no "Elite" in Stock. Also, in stock, some of the dates overlap, and that can cause some issues as to when the game finally gives you a change. Along those lines, where you are and what you're doing will influence changes to your boat's equipment. You might be eligible for the conn on January 1, 1943, but you're on patrol, or you're based at Fremantle, the furthest away from the parts -and- there aren't enough to go around... sigh...
- btw, never worry about asking questions. There is no "sorry" about it, unless you don't ask, and then you'll never know!...
