Task forces - what to do around them?

[gazpode_l]

What do my fellow kaluen's do around task forces? I had one go down my starboard side during my most recent patrol, closest escort at 4,500m.

I was NOT spotted, thanks to running submerged & silent, although through the 'scope I did manage to see several of the R/N's prized vessels, (EG Hood, Renown, King George V). I chose not to attack, because I felt that with a task force comes the danger of numerous escorts, and especially as I have been beat up badly when trying to mess with convoys recently.....I thought - "nah! Not a good idea to persue!" :-?

Your thought's and also your experiences fellow kaluen's.... :arrgh!:

Gazpode (Aka R Hessler)

[Missing Name]

Task force attacks a nearly suicidal, but the thrill of a successful attack is great. The escorts ARE almost always more experienced, and you mentioned your boat was already damaged. Such a combination leads to a higher chance of being sunk. Also, getting into a firing position is tricky...

Try some singleplayer missions - there are plenty of task force situations there. Or make a multiplayer game (no one else needs to play) with a task force. Practice makes you better... perfect is an asymptote.

[Fish In The Water]

I chose not to attack, because I felt that with a task force comes the danger of numerous escorts, and especially as I have been beat up badly when trying to mess with convoys recently.....

I'll save Jim the trouble...

BE MORE AGGRESSIVE! :D :haha:

But seriously, I enjoy tangling with them simply because of the sheer number of escorts. That plus the prizes are so big it's pretty hard to resist.

From my experience, when you engage a task force, time is of the essence, so I tend to ditch the usual slow developing convoy tactics and get to the meat and potatoes asap.

Line up your attack run and fire a multiple salvo as quickly as possible. 'Cause chances are they'll be on you so fast you likely won't get a second shot.

I find it's quite the rush, so count me in whenever I happen to come across one. :yep:

[Snestorm]

If you already have damage, it's generaly best to avoid contact with both convoys and task forces.

My TF contacts are limitted to "too far, and too fast".
If the heavies haven't accidentaly tripped over you, a contact report is usualy the best you can do.

[VONHARRIS]

The prize is so big that I can't resist.
The tactic is simple:
1. Line up for a shot if possible
2. Fire 4 torpedoes TIs - impact pistol at one target - at night
3. Turn away - dive to 100m and hope for the best.
If the shot is aimed correctly and all torpedeos explode then there is a big chance of a great prize.

[desirableroasted]

If a TF runs right over me, I will attack, usually, but not without a big sense of dread. Still, nice to sink a BB.

Tactics that seem to work for me:

1) Attack only at night, or in sloppy, overcast weather.

2) Don't be greedy. Pick one target & be glad for the chance.

3) Use TIIs if you have them.

4) Take your first good shot; don't worry about "best". If that means using magnetics from 5000 out, then do it. Waiting for the 2000 meter 90AOB impact shot may well be the last wait of your career.

5) Don't fire a salvo. Take the 20-30 seconds extra it takes to make four measured, well-aimed shots (this doesn't apply if you are doing manual targeting).

6) For god's sake, don't wait around for the fireworks. Fire and dive.

7) Can your VIIB go to 240m? Now is a good time to find out.

[Captain Nemo]

Returning from my most recent patrol (December 1940) because of low fuel I still had four torpedoes left in the bow tubes. North west of Scotland my sound man picks up several warships closing fast. After listening for a while I worked out they were more or less coming straight at me. I thought this was an opportunuty to good to miss. I went to silent running and came up to periscope depth. The weather was overcast and the seas rough and dawn was just breaking. When they were close enough I spotted a Fleet Carrier right in the middle of the task force and worked out that it would pass about 1,500 metres right in front of me. I set the torps to fire a salvo at 2 metre depth using impact pistols and a 2 degree spread angle. As soon as I fired I dived down to 150 metres. Three torps hit and one missed. Two of the escorts came looking for me but I'm glad to say the didn't even get a sniff of where I was hiding. About twenty minutes after firing the carrier went down. As desirableroasted says, if they are coming right at you it presents an opportunity not to be missed.

Nemo