accuracy in manual targeting mode

[igorlikespike]

Hello!

I would like to know your experience about your accuarcy in torpedo attacks.
Very near misses happen regularly to me (I use event camera). Yesterday I fired at 10 ships and in 6 cases the torpedo passed the bow/stern of ship by mere feet. I try to fire when targets are at 1500-2000m distance or 3000 m max when travelling. What is your best average hit rate per salvo of all torp tubes fired? My average is 2-3 hits/5 fired and best 5/5. have you hit a targeted ship (not chance succes) at more than 4000m range?

Thx for answers & good hunting!

[Pisces]

I do not remember my overall accuracy, since I am usually submerged trying to dive away, and no freecam or eventcam to tell me. But if I do not rush myself, and stay calm, I hardly ever miss.

The most important factor is target speed. This should be measured at about a quarter knot accurately (average plots over 4x3.25=13 minutes, that 'll do), especially if you fire at longer distances. You can play around with the target speed dial and see where the periscope ends up when you make the gyro dial exactly 0. (setup AOB=90 when periscope is at 0 or 180 for aft-shot before that) Then compare this difference (like for 8 and 9 knots) with the appearant size of the target in the scope. (easier said than done while it is moving in front of you)

The length of the target plays a forgiving role in this problem. Distant targets look smaller in degrees making accurate target speed a neccessity. While longer targets are obviously larger in degrees.

Also, having your torpedo tubes allready open well before firing is also important. The delay of opening the tubes has caused many misses among fellow Kaleuns (here).

Aside of the target 'size' issue, the range of the target is not important when the gyro angle is 0. So, if the situation allows itt, point your boat at the intended impact point.

[igorlikespike]

I do not remember my overall accuracy, since I am usually submerged trying to dive away, and no freecam or eventcam to tell me. But if I do not rush myself, and stay calm, I hardly ever miss.

The most important factor is target speed. This should be measured at about a quarter knot accurately (average plots over 4x3.25=13 minutes, that 'll do), especially if you fire at longer distances. You can play around with the target speed dial and see where the periscope ends up when you make the gyro dial exactly 0. (setup AOB=90 when periscope is at 0 or 180 for aft-shot before that) Then compare this difference (like for 8 and 9 knots) with the appearant size of the target in the scope. (easier said than done while it is moving in front of you)

The length of the target plays a forgiving role in this problem. Distant targets look smaller in degrees making accurate target speed a neccessity. While longer targets are obviously larger in degrees.

Also, having your torpedo tubes allready open well before firing is also important. The delay of opening the tubes has caused many misses among fellow Kaleuns (here).

Aside of the target 'size' issue, the range of the target is not important when the gyro angle is 0. So, if the situation allows itt, point your boat at the intended impact point.

Hi Pisces, thank you for your advice on speed. Whenever I encouter a convoy or a single ship I presumed that the target was going at a 7 knot speed, just like the escorts and capital warships seem to travel at 15 knots.
Have you or anybody else encountered a merchantmen that travelled at speeds of 10knots or higher? In the recognition manual many of them have quite high top speed, but do they use it?

[flag4]

...target speeds can vary. you can have fast convoy or slow convoy.

i have these speeds as a guide;

SLOW: 1-6,7 KNOTS

MEDIUM: 7-14 (8-9) KNOTS

FAST: 15-24 (12-14) KNOTS

VERY FAST: 25+ KNOTS.

i believe convoys travelled at the slowest members speed, stragglers got left behind to make their own way or where rounded up by escorts to check out the problem.

singles ran the gauntlet on their own at whatever speed best suited them.

im not sure if there is a set speed for the game ships.

it is trial and error!

[Pisces]

Yes, for sure. I guess it depends on what campaign mod you are playing (I play GWX3), or stock. The latter might be a little predictable, but I haven't played it in years, so what do I know. In any case, I've seen merchants go up to 12 knots (called medium speed), and as slow as 4 (obviously slow speed). Some might even be faster. It's all up to the creativity of the campaign designer. It definitely pays to measure the speed even if crudely. One speed doesn't fit all I'm afraid if you care to get hits.

[postalbyke]

Found a merchant once going 16kts (top speed for that class).
Unfortunately, I'm a Type II hunter, so he got away (bad initial position)
Most merchants I hit are going 7 kts, but I always double or triple-check...
1. Speed by map
2. Speed by periscope (length of target divided by time target takes to cross unmoving peri crosshairs, corrected for ownship speed (or just stop or point bow right at him for a moment))
3. If possible, long-term average speed analysis (can be very accurate, use the map for this one)
Two or more of the above will yield great results, then attack at 90AOB!

In case Jim hasn't said it,
BE MORE AGGRESSIVE! :O::rock:

[igorlikespike]

Thanks for the advices guys, I really need to check the speed far more often in GWX 3.0 than when i played stock SHIII, when all the merchants were sailing at 7 knots. I took this habit into GWX, so I guess this explains the majoruity of the near missses.( nothing is more frustrating than a t first seeing a torpedo on event camera going for a merchant and hoping that it will strike the bow at least and then seeing ships bow almost slicing your torpedo in half ... experienced it at lesat five times :-?)

When I read about great Cunard Liners Like Queen Mary it said that they were almost immune from u-boat attacks because of their high speed & sailing in the part of Altalnic where u-boat packs weren't reported. I also read that the merchants which traveled alone (not stragglers) were the ones that could travel at more than 12 knots for a long period of time. Ever found a giant liner alone & fast?