What is BDU thinking.....

[StarFox]

Well, the U-471 just got its next patrol....grid CA-52. Its easy to get there, i went to CA-25 once, but could not make the return trip, this was in 1940 before the US went to war

However, right now, there are no resupply boats active until May, and its currently March.

So, what am i suppose to do. Does docking at a neutral harbor help? the closest resupply is the Corrientes, which is still about 1,500 Miles past my max range, but its the best bet, unless I can dock at a neutral harbor to refuel

[GoldenRivet]

conserve fuel, and take your time reaching the patrol grid, save torpedos for juicy targets... i mean dont plow two steamers into the side of a lone small merchant en route to the grid... shoot only if something really juicy comes along.

after about 2 weeks of travel to the grid, set on station and patrol patiently and slowly, conserve fuel by hunting almost entirely submerged. Remember massive canadian and british ships did sail from American waters. you may fond some good targets there.

every tactical consideration you make should revolve around fuel economy. dont chase contacts at high speed, dont sail surfaced in rough weather. you know the drill.

Wait out the patrol as long as possible, procrastinate in the grid, patrol it for 2 or 3 days instead of one. Plot your return voyage so that you pass close to a location where you expect to encounter a resupply ship. when the resupply ship becomes active, dock with her and head for home when your done refueling.

Good luck!

[papa_smurf]

Best way to conserve fuel is to set your speed to 7knts, and to submerge for around 10hrs (speed 2-3knts).
This way you should make it to your patrol gird and back with fuel to spare.

[seafarer]

U471 is a type VIIC, correct? You should be able to steam anwhere from Florida to Quebec City, and return to France - I know, I've done it in a VIIC. Crusing at 7-8kn you can stretch your range to 15,000km or more (weather and sea conditions depending), which is enough for a round trip from France To NA, with a small but comfortable margin for error as well. Charge around at higher speeds, or go way off base course to chase contacts and you won't make it.

I think the longest distance I ever sailed in a VIIC was close to 19000km, but I practically had to get the whole crew on deck to paddle the last few km's into the pen again.

Note that U202, a type VIIC, sailed from Brest to Long Island and back to Brest (landed sabateurs on Long Island) in May, 1942. She had no refueling stop either. The round trip took her about 2 months to complete (she was running submerged many nights, as secrecy was essential given her mission orders - she had to arrive off Long Island undetected, and remain undetected for some time after she left her "passengers" behind).

[Jimbuna]

You could actually run on electrics and surface to recharge the batteries without fuel......................strange anomaly :doh:

[Brag]

Yes, 7 knots, will gave you enough fuel to get there, back, and operate in the area. You may have a cup-full of diesel left when you get back :D