Impact or magnetic

[robj250]

I have been in a storm, 15 metre winds, for days. I was wondering whether to set torpedoes to impact or magnet, and if magnet, how deep?

[gabeeg]

I have been in a storm, 15 metre winds, for days. I was wondering whether to set torpedoes to impact or magnet, and if magnet, how deep?

In rough weather set your torpedos to impact. Magnetics have a tendency to explode prematurely in rough weather. My general rule is that if the wind is over 7 then I set all torpedos to impact, and adjust depth accordingly.

As for depth, if you are using magnetics, set the running depth to 1 to 2 meters beneth the keel....so if a ship drafts 7m then set the torp to 8-9 meters. For impact torpedos, I set mine at least 2 meters below the ships water line...usually, for stern shot or shots at escorts I somtimes choose 1m depth. I also make sure to set the depth at least 2-3 meters above the ships keel....usually for merchants and tankers leaving the default 4m is fine, and optimum.

[TarJak]

In any weather over 10mps I use impacts only. Mags aer too unreliable in big waves and you chance a premature.

[Iron Budokan]

Impact torps are more reliable than magnetic in almost any situation.

[CaptainAsh]

I dunno what the difference of efficiency between both if we get a clean hit. Is magnetic more efficient???


I m using 2 criteria myself, weather and AoB. Nice weather and flat AoB = magnetic. Anything else = impact or no shoot.

[maillemaker]

I have all but given up on magentics.

The only time I have chanced them is when I am down to my last torpedo or two and I come across a big ship that needs to go down with all I have left. Under-the-hull explosions are supposedly more deadly than side-impacts.

[Dietrich]

I almost always use impact shots. Set the depth correctly (don't just leave it at the 4m default), aim for the right spot on the ship, and a single impact shot will do the job.

Sometimes I'll use a magnetic shot, but it is rare. Generally I ask myself if I am using a magnetic trigger "why?". Often the answer is because I'm at a bad angle, in which case I move away from the firing-button and reposition my boat to something better.

[SmokinTep]

It all depends on the situation. I usually use magnetics if possible. Always keep a magnetic in the aft tube for those pesky DD's. I have been lucky sending one down their throat.

[Sailor Steve]

Realistically, attacks should be next to impossible in major storms.

[vasmann]

[quote=robj250]
As for depth, if you are using magnetics, set the running depth to 1 to 2 meters beneth the keel....so if a ship drafts 7m then set the torp to 8-9 meters. For impact torpedos, I set mine at least 2 meters below the ships water line...usually, for stern shot or shots at escorts I somtimes choose 1m depth. I also make sure to set the depth at least 2-3 meters above the ships keel....usually for merchants and tankers leaving the default 4m is fine, and optimum.

As for me, magnetic are more dangerous then impact, and depth should be set no more then half a meter under the keel, this is for calm weather, for rough - a meter or 1.5.

[Jimbuna]

Impact.....just about every time until Jan 42 :arrgh!:

[Brag]

Magnetics for battle ships and shallow AOBs in convoys. Excellent damage. In rough weather--impact at very short range. :arrgh!:

[maillemaker]

Realistically, attacks should be next to impossible in major storms.

In the game, they practically are! :)

I've had storms where I couldn't even SEE the enemy ship until I was too close for the torps to arm.

[robj250]

It all depends on the situation. I usually use magnetics if possible. Always keep a magnetic in the aft tube for those pesky DD's. I have been lucky sending one down their throat.

Under normal condition, I always use magnetics on those pesky DD. I like it when they come directly toward me and them I give them a shot at about 500; they are burnt toast.

But under seas where the wind is around the 10 - 15 m/s. I have no idea how to take out a pesky DD, as I've never had to do it.
Rob

[melnibonian]

Rob set the torpedoes with impact pistols and 1m running depth. That way you can be sure that you will at least hit the target no matter how much he is moving because of the waves.

[Penelope_Grey]

Always use Impacts!

[STEED]

I'm using T-IV's point and shoot, they do the rest.

The straight runners I use impact in crap weather and magnetic in good.

[Sailor Steve]

Realistically, attacks should be next to impossible in major storms.

In the game, they practically are! :)

I've had storms where I couldn't even SEE the enemy ship until I was too close for the torps to arm.
On the other hand, I've been in the middle of a convoy in raging seas and had every single torpedo run straight to the target.

[Engel der Vernichtung]

I dunno what the difference of efficiency between both if we get a clean hit. Is magnetic more efficient???


I m using 2 criteria myself, weather and AoB. Nice weather and flat AoB = magnetic. Anything else = impact or no shoot.

Well, one thing to bear in mind, is that it's not "magnetic vs. impact". The torps are always impact fuzed; the question, is whether or not to enable the magnetic exploder.

Magnetics are less reliable in the early years, but do allow you to attack with AOB > 40 degrees with a decent chance of success.

[Brag]

I dunno what the difference of efficiency between both if we get a clean hit. Is magnetic more efficient???


I m using 2 criteria myself, weather and AoB. Nice weather and flat AoB = magnetic. Anything else = impact or no shoot.

Well, one thing to bear in mind, is that it's not "magnetic vs. impact". The torps are always impact fuzed; the question, is whether or not to enable the magnetic exploder.

Magnetics are less reliable in the early years, but do allow you to attack with AOB > 40 degrees with a decent chance of success.

You may want to read the article on magnetic torpedoes on my webbie :D

[robbo180265]

I use magnetics and set them to impact in rough weather.

[robj250]

You may want to read the article on magnetic torpedoes on my webbie :D

I saw nothing in your webbie about magnetic torpedoes Brag.
Rob

[Brag]

Rob--you're right. I went in there and it's gone!
I'll try to locate it or write another one.

The basic idea is: you want the torp to go diagonally to the ships centerline. This will give time for the magnetic pistol to arm and fire.

If you fire at an AOB of 90 degrees, the topr may explode on the other side of the ship, maybe too far to cause damage.

[Brag]

Magnetic Torpedoes


We hear a lot of bad mouthing of the magnetic pistols on the torpedoes. Just like the impact triggers, there were some deficiencies in the magnetics early in the war. However, if properly used, the magnetic is an extremely useful tool. All my battleship sinkings (4) were done with magnetics as they go under the armour belt of the ship.

When not to use magnetic. With deflection 0 and AOB 90 degrees, the torpedo will go under the ship and explode on the other side, causing little if any damage.

When to use it:
Ship is too close for torpedo to arm. Wait 'til ship passes and send a magnetic after it. Especially useful in low visibility.
When attacking a convoy and can't wait for the close to 90 degree AOB.
A zigzagging vessel.
In rough weather, with depth set at 10 meters or more.

In order to cause catastrophic damage, the torpedo must travel under the hull a certain distance for the pistol to activate and explode as close to the ship's centerline as possible. For this you need a shallow, diagonal trajectory.

I fire for magnetic detonation at AOBs less than 40 degrees. In calm weather, I select a depth of 1.5 meters below the ship's keel. In rough weather, 2 meters.

Haven't decided yet which depth is more lethal. Will run some tests during present patrol:arrgh!:

[Reverie]

Currently during the early '40s, I've been experiencing pre-detonations and end of run explosions on both types of pistol. I prefer impact, but will use magnetic only in calm waters and on lone ships. Impact only with shallow depth on escorts. Also, the program seems to endeavor the following of historical torpedo consternation. Follow the advice of Bdu broadcasts regarding torpedo settings, and your results should improve. :)
Reverie

[robj250]

I started this thread because I've never attacked anything when the winds are 15m/s or greater.

Now, I've placed myself in a position to be able to intercept a large convoy under these rough sea conditions in June 1940 in a VIIB sub, no upgrades. The time is presently 1740 and sunset is not until 2200 hrs. I went to periscope depth to see if anything could be heard on the hydrophone. No sound.

Now I have no idea if I'm "bang on" the route of the convoy, but assuming I am, and I have 9 G7a torpedoes (including stern and 1 stern external, no externals forward). I am in Grid AM52.

If you were me, would you try to attack the convoy, or stay clear of convoy routes until the weather settles down.


Rob

[joea]

I would wait, but that's me. :D

[Jimbuna]

Leaving medical conditions aside if I may :D

The rough weather will help mask your boat from the escorts hydrophones....if you can get into a favourable position....then attack :up:

[robj250]

Leaving medical conditions aside if I may :D

The rough weather will help mask your boat from the escorts hydrophones....if you can get into a favourable position....then attack :up:

:rotfl: :rotfl: Well, I went for it. I encountered the convoy after sunset and between trying to pick ships that were not neutrals and ones I could sink and trying to take vids as well, I was all thumbs. I only got two though and I didn't get a vid of it being hit, :down: , oh well, the escorts started to close in so I went to 100 metres and they never even picked me up; never got pinged once going down to that depth.

I used impact at 4 metres.

HAHA, I go so confused I didn't know whether I was making vids of not because the Fraps number disappeared. :hmm: When it finally become visible, I was filming the nav map.

Rob