How to attack enemy sub underwater

[Dziadek]

Ahoi from Poland:)

I have (prodably a newbie and stupid) question, but... I started playing SH3. I`m a quick learner, so I add more realism after every patrol.

After chasing and meeting a convoy, I started to examine it very close. I noticed that the whole convoy was escorted only by 3 small destroyers, which I managed to sink with my kamikaze method (let them get very close at bearing 000 and hit them with a few T1 right at their front).

After sinking the escort, I started shooting with my deck gun. Everything went well, but then...a small enemy S-1 submarine appeared. At first, I was able to identify the target, but then it submerged a bit, leaving the tower still visible, The watchmen didn`t see anything, even from close distance. I tried to hit it with deck gun, flak - no effect. Using UZO (to know the distance) or the attack periscope didn`t help me also.

Is there any method to sink a sub, which is obviously visible from the surface?

[Missing Name]

Hello there!

First of all, the AI subs do not submerge except for wave action forcing them under, taking damage, etc. Their naturally low deck height makes them more susceptible to the illusion.

If you are good at eyeballing basic course, you can theoretically launch a salvo at the sub. Speed, range, course... Half of all firing solutions essentially boil down to guesswork. With some practice you might not need a lock anymore. Unfortunately, the sheer resources required to sink a single AI sub makes the effort useless.

If you have a Type VIII of some sort, you probably lack the firepower.

If you have a Type IX of some sort, you probably lack the firepower.

If you are in a destroyer group guarding a convoy, you probably lack the firepower.

If you are commanding the HMS Hood, you probably lack the firepower.

Actually, if you are the entire Luftwaffe, you probably lack the firepower.

And I am not exaggerating any of this. I am speaking from the experiences of both trying to destroy the enemy and watching the enemy try to destroy my allies. You said this was a convoy? Go for the merchants!

[gmuno]

one torp does the trick

[Kapt Z]

Up to 2 careers ago I had only seen Allied subs as part of convoys and just ignored them. Then all of a sudden on two different patrols I came across a British S-class sub travelling alone. Two fish did the trick for both. Sure, not really worth the effort as far as renown, but hey it was fun!

[Fubar2Niner]

Ahoi from Poland:)

I have (prodably a newbie and stupid) question, but... I started playing SH3. I`m a quick learner, so I add more realism after every patrol.

After chasing and meeting a convoy, I started to examine it very close. I noticed that the whole convoy was escorted only by 3 small destroyers, which I managed to sink with my kamikaze method (let them get very close at bearing 000 and hit them with a few T1 right at their front).

After sinking the escort, I started shooting with my deck gun. Everything went well, but then...a small enemy S-1 submarine appeared. At first, I was able to identify the target, but then it submerged a bit, leaving the tower still visible, The watchmen didn`t see anything, even from close distance. I tried to hit it with deck gun, flak - no effect. Using UZO (to know the distance) or the attack periscope didn`t help me also.

Is there any method to sink a sub, which is obviously visible from the surface?


Sorry shipmate, I have trouble enough killing zig-zagging escorts....... Had to reply to say...........

Welcome aboard !!! :salute:

Best regards.

Fubar2Niner

[maillemaker]

Yup, S-class subs in GWX are tough to sink.

I got a bunch of screen shots once of me parked next to one in the open ocean after I had finally "sunk" it. I pretended we were boarding it. I don't think it ever actually sank.

[Einzelganger]

I took one down on my last patrol. I had one torpedo left while falling behind a convoy i had just attacked when it came into my sights. Figuring i might use my last torpedo to have some fun i had a go with a setting at 3m depth on contact. It hit almost underneath the conning tower & did the trick.

It did go down. While sinking the 2 man watch crew on the conning tower would disappear & then appear again every time it was covered in waves.

Worth the tonnage ? No
Worth the effort ? Yes, it's something different & fun to add to the list.

[RConch]

To me their rapid zig-zag and lack of renown takes them off the target list. I go to periscope depth and watch them pass by if alone. Ignore them if in a convoy.
There are so many other targets to get.

I do agree the very few times I got one-there was satisfaction at hitting a hard target.:salute:
Skippers choice.

[Frenchy849]

Yeah,I also use that kamikaze tactic,brought down some destroyers with it.
I remember,I was leaving St. Nazaire when,in the middle of the night,an S class appeared.Okay,I choose to man the deck gun and engage on the surface,wasn't a good idea as I got sunk after an epic but somehow boring battle.
Really should have torpedoed it.

[Dziadek]

Hi and thank You.

I encountered a S-1 second time. Programmed the TDC manually, and sank it with a stern tube, but You seem to be right. It`s not worth the effort - only c.a 900 tons of damage, a wasted torpedo + alert.

Now I pay more attention to the convoys. They are armed with deck guns and flaks (February 1941), so using a deck gun isn`t a good idea anymore. I keep following them underwater avoiding the escorts to save the torpedoes. Besides, with more realism - it became too risky. It`s just pure suicide.

By the way...is it possible/a good idea to hide "inside a convoy" and use merchant propeller sounds as camouflage?

P.S. When can I expect T3 torpedoes or better batteries for IXB in Lorient?

[VonApist]

Simply, torpedo, impact pistol depth 2 m shoot and buy buy

I have sunk Allied AI subs twice (one close to Norway, one escorting a convoy somewhere in the AMs). Exactly the same way, 100% success

Maybe i was just lucky. I read that sometimes they are unsinkable, but i have never encountered that

with GWX,SH3 at 90%

[Jimbuna]

Simply, torpedo, impact pistol depth 2 m shoot and buy buy

I have sunk Allied AI subs twice (one close to Norway, one escorting a convoy somewhere in the AMs). Exactly the same way, 100% success

Maybe i was just lucky. I read that sometimes they are unsinkable, but i have never encountered that

with GWX,SH3 at 90%

Rgr that http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/pirate.gif