Improved Active Sonar - 1943 on

[predavolk]

So I'm about to set sail into the Atlantic again after my last 100K mission (which including the loss of my boat). Active sonar has completely changed. What used to be a tough challenge, is now virtual suicide. Running silent, 220M, 2 knts, I'm still being picked up from well over a kilometer away. As I mentioned in my 100K thread, I've generally decided to avoid convoys unless I have homing torps to deal with the escorts first.

But I'd like to poll for any info here first before I go back into those much-scarier waters.

1- It seemed to me that in 1942, early 43, the American destroyers were less effective than the British (as they should be historically). Does this change in 43 or 44?

2- I'll take any and all info on the improved active sonar I can get. Detection ranges, sensitivity to aspect angles, sensitivity to surface conditios, performance against periscope depth vs. 200M+ depth, etc.

3- How deep can the VIIC-42 go compared to the IXB (which I regularly take to 210-220M)? Does the extra depth or smaller boat size matter much against improved sonar? I'm deciding whether to switch boats or just switch hunting grounds and locations.

4- Do patrol boats get improved sonar too?

5- How many renown points do I need to change in my IXB for a Seawolf class attack sub?:D

[nikbear]

No'3,you should be able to take a TypeVIIC/41 to about 300Ms,it is more agile undewater so is more able to dodge the ashcans and presents a smaller target:hmm:having said that,as you have found out predavolk my friend,when you get to that stage of the war attacking convoys is just near suicidal:damn:you could do a number of things really:hmm:stick to the north atlantic,attack convoys in your nice new deep diving VIIC41,or get a TypeIXC,and use its greater range and go after lone merchants further away(I prefer this option myself,convoys scare the beejesus out of me:o)or you could just give yourself up to the allies:rotfl:Whatever you do,I wouldn't advise getting a TypeIXD2,it may be heresy to say that to some,but the thing is just a big huge DD and plane attracter with a dive time not unlike the titanic,with very similar results:doh:the choice is yours!

[Jimbuna]

Treason!!....Heracy!!....IX's rock http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/pirate.gif

http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/whistle.gif

[nikbear]

Oh they do Jim,just not that zepplin sized,handling TypeIXD2:rotfl:I refer to them as the"one way ticket"......I wonder why:hmm:

[Jimbuna]

Oh they do Jim,just not that zepplin sized,handling TypeIXD2:rotfl:I refer to them as the"one way ticket"......I wonder why:hmm:

Because you never had enough money for a return ticket :hmm:

;)

[STEED]

Oh they do Jim,just not that zepplin sized,handling TypeIXD2:rotfl:I refer to them as the"one way ticket"......I wonder why:hmm:

Because you never had enough money for a return ticket :hmm:

;)

IX RULES OK :up: :up: :up: :up: :up:

[BasilY]

I tried IX twice before getting a handle on it. My fifth career, IXB throughout, is wonderful, But I havn't try IXD.

Back on the topic of convoys, they are tough after 93. Nic is right about the distance, give you more time to get away. DON'T put yourself directly in front of the convoy, put yourself about 3k on the side, inch forward a bit after the lead escort if necessary. Your shots will be less accurate. But in a war, the first priority is survival. Count yourself lucky if your spread sunk a ship or 2. I aim 2 each the 2 bigest prizes in the convoy. Back slow, change direction, and do deep. By the time of the torpedo impact, I enjoy a good lead on the escorts.

Fortunately, there are plenty of lone merchants in GWX out there in the great Atlantic.

[BasilY]

5- How many renown points do I need to change in my IXB for a Seawolf class attack sub?:D
A. Talk to Jimmy Carter, maybe he let take his boat (USS Jimmy Carter/SSN 23) for a ride, if you, said, build a house for a single mom somewhere...;) You will have to dispose of your old IXB yourself though, The Green Peace might sue you for illegal dumping. Use Flak on their fishing boats if it comes to it.

B. Then make your way to the Caribean, lot's of 50-100k cruise ships wondering slowly without escort. Better yet, they are registered Liberian Ships. The last time I check, they don't have much of a Navy to hunt you down.

C. Do NOT rescue survivors per the Laconia Order by Donitz, even if they are Collage Coed's in bikini shorts, even if your 1WO think they are really really cute.:down:

D. Smuggle some Cuban Cigars back, you will need the extra cash to pay for fuel when you return to port.:up:

[Cezbor]

IX type rulez:rock: , but XXI is sometimes better:cry: