Attacking large convoys?

[jdupree]

I am still messing around with the single missions until I get a good hold on the game. Everytime I try to engage a convoy they are all over me before I can do much of anything. Just wanted to know some tips, suggestions to attack a convoy.

Just to make sure my settings are right, as soon as I lower the periscope the contacts dissapear from the attack/nav map. How do you attack them if you can't even track them on the map???? Sonar???

[Rockin Robbins]

Use the plot, man! Use the plot! With the scope up (I'm assuming you're in the stock game here) you know the position, the course and speed of the target. OK, plot the position of the targets you are interested in with the pencil. It will make an x on the nav map.

Now left click on the compass, which will open, showing that you have tool help on. This will give the end of the ruler tool a compass rose so you can plot a course.

Now click on the x positions and extend a line on the course of your target. Extend it out there beyond where you think you will need it.

Now the fun part. Suppose the target is moving at nine knots. That means that every three minutes it will move 900 yards along the course line. You can use this relationship to make x marks every 900 yards to show where he will be each three minutes.

Guess what? You can run around blind, pop up the scope in six minutes and already have it pointed to where you expect to see him! You're not blind any longer.

This is very similar to what the real submarines did, although their plot didn't give them as much info. As you gather experience, you'll realize that the stock plot gives you too much info and will look for solutions to that. Don't worry about it now. You're in learning mode and need the help.:up:

[jdupree]

Thanks for the tip!!! I guess the problem that I am having as soon as my scope goes up to track the contact on the map, the whole convoy then is after me!!

[ColonelSandersLite]

My advice is to ditch the single missions, especially the stock ones.

They tend to have start surfaced in easy visual range of the escorts which naturally sets them off. It's much easier to make an effective attack if you have the opportunity to decide when and where to attack.

[Red Devil]

With convoys I always get well ahead, then wait, at 1/3, heading directly towards them, dive to below 250 to get passed leading destroyer and start coming up as he passes overhead. I can usually pick off 2-3 before all hell breaks lose. I then dive back down to below 250 and move across the convoy path, doing speed 2. I come up near the end of the convoy and get a couple more, then go back down, change course, and do one!

If convoy is already past when sighted, I back off and do an end around attack.

I only put up scope when ready to attack, then down it goes again. :ping: