Zig Zags

[howler93]

Hello fellow captains!

I posted this question in the Mods forum also, so my apologies, but do "stock" 1.4 convoys zig-zag their course typically, or was that a feature of Trigger Maru? Do ALL convoys zig zag, and are there "typical" leg lengths? I'm having trouble making a clean approach on convoys lately...I'm always getting picked up by the escorts because I have to reposition when the convoys change course constantly. I would LOVE any and all tips here, as I find myself getting DC'd far more than watching my prey sink to the bottom of the ocean :cry: I enjoy the challenge and the realism...I think I just need to readjust my techniques!

Thanks folks,
Howler :arrgh!:

[tater]

Stock has no zig zags at all.

tater

[manucapo]

same happens here ive notice something is different
the convoys are always changing course

but the most annoying thing is that they can see your torpedoes now

ok but back on topic ive also notticed a diferent behaviour of convoys
maybe its just me

[tater]

When a sub is detected, they begin to "constant helm." Their course describes a shallow sine wave, it's not really a zig zag---they have always done this, but now they might be detecting you more.

tater

[SteamWake]

Hrm....

Behaviour Ive witnessed based on stock game is the convoy comes to a screeching halt and begins to scatter helter skelter but basically remainnig in the same area.

[howler93]

Yes, I'm running Trigger Maru's latest version (I think he included convoy zig-zags) and convoys seem to be regularly zig-zagging even before I could possibly be detected. Anyone else out there playing TM on high difficulty got any tips on how to successfully make undetected approaches? It's quite challenging, but I like it...I also am in dire need of help :yep:. I think zig-zagging convoys is pretty vital if you like to play with an emphasis on realism, as fery FEW convoys would ever just go from point a to b without course variations. Again, any tips would be very, very welcome :up:

Cheers,
Howler :arrgh!:

[Peto]

To really be able to get in front of a zig-zagging convoy or ship, you have to track it long enough to figure out the pattern of it's course changes. The main thing I try to do is dive in front of a convoy as soon after they've changed course as I can. That way I will most likely be able to get in position before they make another change.

Remember this to: It's not the course of zigs and zags that matter as much as the Base Course. That's the course that they are zig-zagging from. If you can put yourself on that line of advance, you'll have a much better chance of getting a shot.

Take time to figure out the Base Course and you'll find it easier.

Cheers!

[howler93]

Thanks, Peto! Good advice :yep:

[jazman]

Take time to figure out the Base Course and you'll find it easier.


Take your time, do it right. A good end-around works wonders, because at the same time you get to figure out the base course.

[howler93]

Regarding this tactic, what's a good rule of thumb for visual range at night and during the day. More specifically, how far away do I need to stay away from the escorts to remain undetected? 10 nm in the day and 5 at night?

Thanks much,
Howler :arrgh!:

[Fincuan]

Regarding this tactic, what's a good rule of thumb for visual range at night and during the day. More specifically, how far away do I need to stay away from the escorts to remain undetected? 10 nm in the day and 5 at night?

Thanks much,
Howler :arrgh!:

Those are pretty good baselines for approaches when there's no fog. With fog you can of course go even closer, and during a clear night you can actually get within 2000 meters of an alarmed escort provided that your speed is pretty slow(< 10 knots) and you present as small silhouette as possible. If I were doing and end-around though, I'd do it a few nm further out. With radar that would always be beyond visual distance.

[howler93]

Appreciate all the help, my fellow captains! :up: