Targeting in bad weather

[Berinhardt]

I came across several convoys at night in bad weather, and althought I can "see" the target in my periscope, I can't get the TDC to see the target and get a firing solution. I'm using automatic targeting, so I thought I'd input the data manually in the TDC, but can't.

I nearly rammed the target (within 300 yards) before my TDC would acknowledge the target. Is this common?

What's the best approach to attacking merchants in low visibility conditions?

[Wilcke]

Yes and a limitation of the Auto-TDC and/or some environmental mods can have an effect on the visual spotting.

You can setup an attack with the hydrophone, although that can take time and do an end around. If you have radar then you have a great tool for setting up an attack.

Happy Hunting!

[Captain Vlad]

There's also my own technique, which I call: Get really damned close. You can still fire the torpedoes without locking onto a target, they'll just zip straight ahead, and if you can lead the target well enough, you can score hits this way.

[magic452]

The way I make low visibility shots is using the vector analysis attack method, a constant bearing attack. Once you plot heading and speed of the target you set up an attack using the method given by Rockin Robins at this link
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=1007637&postcount=204
The third one down, Vector Analysis. Draw the triangle as shown.

Next using the protractor tool plot the same aiming bearing using your sub as the apex and the impact point as one leg and the lead angle line extend to the target track as the second leg and where they intersect is the firing point. What you are doing is making a smaller triangle inside of the large one.
You will shoot from the Nav. map. When the sonar trace reaches the firing point SHOOT.

Once you have plotted this set your periscope to 0° for bow shot using auto targeting. For manual targeting you would aim the Scope up the aiming bearing.
Make sure AoB is 0, Speed is 0. The torps will shoot straight out the front.
The closer you are to the target track the better the results.
You just did a manual targeting shot. :rock:
Clear as MUD isn't it. I'll have to learn how to post a picture. If you see it, it's very clear.

It sounds complicated but with a little practice it is very easy.
Works very good on single ships. In a convoy you will have to pick out one target and plot it. I use this method all the time, good weather or bad.

Hope this helps Magic452

[banjo]

Also try hitting your lock key (L). Sometimes you can force a momentary lock when you otherwise don't have the triangle.

[Wilcke]

Also try hitting your lock key (L). Sometimes you can force a momentary lock when you otherwise don't have the triangle.

Correct! Thanks for that one. It will send the data to TDC, even if lock breaks after a second. You also have to contend with the distance the torpedo must run in order to arm. If you are within 300 yards you are not going to get it armed.

[Berinhardt]

Thanks for all the replies and advice.

I'm just getting my sea legs with manual targeting, so I did try a few times in the low visibility condition. Need more practice.

Just wasn't sure if this was a "bug" or expected behavior. Sounds like it is the later.