Most economic cruising speed

[Wreford-Brown]

I know there are a few posts covering fuel economy in the forum and have found the following by using the magic 'search' button:

Type IIA 6 kts (Pisces)
Type IID 6 kts (msalama)
Type VIIB 8 kts
Type VIIC 8.1 kts
Type VIIC/40 8 kts
Type VIIC/41 ?????
Type IX 9 kts (GWX 2.1, jimbuna) or 8 kts (U-104+Brag) - also see predavolk post #5
Type IXB 8 kts (U-104 and Brag)
Type IXC 9 kts
Type IXD2 9 kts

Can anyone verify these figures and fill in any gaps?

[U-104]

IXB 8 Kts.

[Brag]

IXB 8 Kts.

I confirm that one

[msalama]

Looks about right AFAIK, excepting the duck A maybe... anyone?

[predavolk]

IXB 8 Kts.

I confirm that one

I think you get marginally, 5% or less, better mileage out of 7 knots in a IXB. Even if true, I prefer the higher speed setting of 8 knots. 8 knots is enough to get you to North America with plenty of fuel left to boot around with. Honestly though, this should be pretty easy to figure out for yourself. Run a straight line of reasonable length as your course, preferably in calm weather, and ask your navigator how far you can go at your current speed. Adjust your speed until you get the longest distance. That's the most fuel efficient speed for your boat.

[Jimbuna]

If your using a Type IX in GWX2.1...9 knots is the average (extra endurance has been scripted in to compensate for the size of the SH3 world) http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/pirate.gif

[Pisces]

Type II(a) is definately 6 knots. 4 knots must have been with batteries recharging.

[rifleman13]

It's very economic to always go ahead one-third in all u-boats!:arrgh!:

[Murr44]

It's very economic to always go ahead one-third in all u-boats!:arrgh!:

Agreed...

[Letum]

It's very economic to always go ahead one-third in all u-boats!:arrgh!:


No it's not! You can cut your range by more than 10% doing that.

Best speed* for VIIC with no engine upgrades in 7.5 knts Best speed with the most expensive upgrade is 8knts or just over.

*this is the best miles per gallon speed, it does not take time into account.

Running submerged for part of each day uses slightly more fuel per mile.

[Sailor Steve]

I use 1/3 speed all the time, and I've never had a fuel problem. Not once.

And engine upgrades are totally unrealistic anyway.:p

[Platapus]

For the most economic speed, I always select unlimited fuel and then flank speed to my patrol area. :up:

I get so sick and tired of leaving Lorient for patrols in the Southern Africa area in my Type VII. 8 Kts at TC max of 256 (so I don't miss contacts or get strafed) is a fun-killer on my part. I would rather take a type II through the Kiel canal. :nope: :damn:

I like the challenge of realism like every one else but I AM playing this game for fun. Putzing along at 8 Kts @256 is not my idea of maximum yucks.

Sure I will never have the pride of 100% realism but on the other hand I will be able to do more than one patrol per evening :)

[ddiplock]

I actually find that i've started conserving fuel alot more now so I can stay at sea longer. Unless i'm racing into an intercept point, i'll run my diesals at ahead slow and do no more than 5 or 6 knots. Yeah it aint the quickest, but it aint all that bad crusing about :)

[seafarer]

Choices are pretty simple:

- go really fast - get somewhere quick, but don't plan on traveling very far.
- go moderate (eg. 8-10 knots) - steam the greatest distance possible on available fuel.
- go very slow - have the maximum time at sea, but not cover much distance.

[Sailor Steve]

For the most economic speed, I always select unlimited fuel and then flank speed to my patrol area. :up:
Nothing wrong with that - it's no different than SH1 putting you in the patrol zone instantly and subracting the fuel you would have used.

Sure I will never have the pride of 100% realism but on the other hand I will be able to do more than one patrol per evening :)
Also true. I, on the other hand, being a harbor loving spectator player, am lucky if I finish a patrol in a week.:dead: :rotfl:

[Jimbuna]

These days you could also try running on unleaded fuel to see if that is any more economical http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/whistle.gif

[Teh_Diplomat]

With gas prices these days I'm running on electrics. http://www.systemwars.com/forums/mysmiliesvb/mysmilie_553.gif

[rifleman13]

These days you could also try running on unleaded fuel to see if that is any more economical http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/whistle.gif

I think that's going to ruin the diesel engine.:down:

Try using a nuke reactor instead!:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::arrgh!:

[Platapus]

These days you could also try running on unleaded fuel to see if that is any more economical http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/whistle.gif

I think that's going to ruin the diesel engine.:down:

Try using a nuke reactor instead!:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::arrgh!:


Bio diesel?

Ok men, we all know that we have greasy hair because of no showers. Well I have to good news and some bad news.

Some of you may have noticed the clothes wringer in the aft torpedo tube.....

[SpeedyPC]

These days you could also try running on unleaded fuel to see if that is any more economical http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/whistle.gif

I think that's going to ruin the diesel engine.:down:

Try using a nuke reactor instead!:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::arrgh!:


Bio diesel?

Ok men, we all know that we have greasy hair because of no showers. Well I have to good news and some bad news.

Some of you may have noticed the clothes wringer in the aft torpedo tube.....

Why don't you connect the toilet to the fuel tank as a Bio diesel it always great to have a backup fuel supply, alway remember to FART! hard and out LOUD! to increase more speed if your lucky you might get 10 knots under water. :hmm: :hmm: great idea from a smartarse skipper.

[msalama]

Wreford -

The most economical cruising speed for the IID seems to be 6 knots as well. Just so you know :up:

[Gilbou]

Thanks for the mod, installed it.

We need a mod that installs over GWX 3.0 Gold and that
would give us that setting for all subs.

And a sticky thread with the best speed according to sub
for maximum range. Not fun to use the search tool to find
it.

[Paul Riley]

I am finding in my IIA at the moment 10kts to be a good speed and still get some decent coverage,only around Britain though.Last patrol I was just off the Orkneys,made it there and back at 10kts with almost 1000km of fuel left.
Make no mistake though,first chance I get I am scrapping that tin can for a VII,ANY version!