Why So Many Aircraft Encounters

[akudjinn]

I just started running version 1.5 and still, nonstop aircraft encounters, even though I'm way out by Midway Island.

I don't understand... it makes the sim unplayable.

Aircraft are one of the most dangerous things to a sub.

Welcome to driving fleet boats in the Pacific. SubPac strongly suggest not traveling on the surface while in enemy territory!

[fireftr18]

I presume you're playing un-modded. I agree, base game, the aircraft encounters are overdone and irritating. The mega mods correct it. I know you can go in the files and change it, but I'm not sure of the path.

[propbeanie]

With the stock game, the easiest thing to do is to use Webster's Better Air Patrols mod. It turns down the frequency, but increases the planes accuracy, so it's more important not to be seen. Use the SubSim download link, since Filefront is no more. One thing to remember about the airplanes is that they have these super-radio sets in their airplanes, and can fone home and tell all their buddies about your submarine traveling on the surface at 10 knots, course 276 142 nautical miles off of Kii Suido. So don't let the first one see you. If he does, dive below 100 foot, and then change course. If it's late in the day, just stay down until dark, then get back up top and continue on your way.


Edit: Corrected the link - when using keyboard shortcuts, one does have to be careful with how long they press the keys...

[Aktungbby]

akudjinn! after a nine year silent run!

[akudjinn]

So I leave Pearl and refit in Midway and head to Saipan... at the slowest speed I'm out of fuel and cannot get back.

Situational awareness is for everyone. Always keep an eye on your fuel. There are also buttons you can push that will tell you max range at current speed.

All Ahead flank might get you there yesterday, but you'll run out of fuel last week.

[Pisces]

Slow speed doesn't get you better mileage either. There is a sweet-spot inside 8-10 knots somewhere. I guess it depends on the mod you are using. I forgot, did the game have the option to tell mileage at current speed? I haven't played my install of RFB2 in ages, but I think it did. I know I did my own mod-tweak by setting my ahead standard speed EOT setting to that fraction of maximum surfaced speed.

[Red Devil]

Originally Posted by akudjinn

So I leave Pearl and refit in Midway and head to Saipan... at the slowest speed I'm out of fuel and cannot get back.

I leave fuel on unlimited otherwise its impossible to do 75% or so within the parameters. I got so fed up to have to abandon patrols. And, if a Task Force is ahead of you, you cant catch it by doing an 'end around attack' otherwise no go home baby!!!

[jimmbbo]

Originally Posted by propbeanie

With the stock game, the easiest thing to do is to use Webster's Better Air Patrols mod. It turns down the frequency, but increases the planes accuracy, so it's more important not to be seen.

Thanks for the mod!!
I started a new career and the airplanes started appearing like mosquitoes on a summer Georgia evening... Have always been cautious to submerge if I will be within 5 miles of the airplane, so this will be a plus.

FWIW, the hyperlink was dead for me. It has a "v" ahead of "http"... Removed the leading "v" and this link worked for me

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/show...22#post1120222

[Red Devil]

you want MORE aircraft! I lowered it down to approx 20% of what it was as the chances of being met by a zero or betty in the pacific is minimal, especially miles from anywhere or jap bases. The nearer to occupied jap lands obviously that would increase.

Originally Posted by akudjinn

I just started running version 1.5 and still, nonstop aircraft encounters, even though I'm way out by Midway Island.

I don't understand... it makes the sim unplayable.

draw a straight line from pearl to tokyo and from tokyo to taiwan
those are the airplane highways filled with non stop planes in both directions.

simply stay to one side and you will hardly have plans bother you unless you make enemy contact that reports you.

i have a simple little mod that also shuts down the overly stupid large numbers of planes to a more semi realistic traffic

[Red Devil]

surely Pearl to Tokyo is well out of range? Thats why Doolittle in 42 bombed Tokyo and carried into nationalist china to land, he could not have done a return trip.

By the way, after putting in your suggested folder replacements, I am sitting NW of Midway right now waiting for the Jap fleet, its almost 1st June and reports should be coming in soon. If I dont find them, you're sunk!!!!

[Mios 4Me]

September 1942, Phillippines, and these all these aircraft are making the game unplayable. I can't go 30 minutes without a contact.

I'm running stock with hacks from Sniper, et al, which enabled the 1945 Balao with Mk 16s, fore-and-aft 5" guns, the latest radars, etc, along with removing the crew rank limits.

Would GFO work in this situation or must I wipe everything, install GFO, and then the hacks?

[propbeanie]

Mods will sometimes overwrite previously applied mods, but the amount of change would vary, and it is tough to say what is compatible with what. It might just be that you end up with a CTD. The biggest problem with applying mods is the Save game folder. Anytime changes are made to the game with a mod, the Save folder should either be deleted, or use MultiSH4 to create a new one of a different name. If you don't get a "clean" Save folder, then the old Save contaminates the new mod activation, resulting in at least a weird mess, but oftentimes results in continuous CTD problems.

The big things with airplanes, especially in the Philippines, is just the sheer numbers available. Lots of places for them to come from. Second of all, the first one that "sees" you, tells all of his "buddies" that there is a submarine in the area, and since a submarine has a rather restricted speed, they can draw a circle on their "maps", and search within a smaller box and find you easier the second time. If you maintain course and speed, they'll find you even easier the third time. Next thing you know, they're parked on top of your location, just waiting on you to surface. Each time you are "seen", it confirms your location, and brings more planes. Maybe even a DD or two... The "secret" is to not be seen - by anything - until you are ready to strike. Much easier said than done, of course. One mod you should be able to put on top of what you have, without too much trouble, would be Webster's Better Air Patrols for v1.4 and v1.5, which he alluded to above. Decreases the frequency, but it does up the accuracy of what you do get, so you do have to be careful with that...

The thing to do to "shake" the planes, is to stay submerged for a while staying below 100 foot, but change your heading drastically. Come back up at night, and under cover of darkness, high-tail it out of the area, then resume "normal operations".