Sub Fire control details?

[Adam106]

Hey,

I know there are some very knowledgeable skippers out there and possibly even a few retired ex-submariners that may be able to help with a curious question regarding fire control....

In DW with the US subs, we can assign 4 trackers to each of the sonar arrays. This means we can receive real time, up to date bearings etc for 4 individual targets. I suppose if you could theoretically track 4 each with both the sphere and towed arrays you get 8 real time inputs (and admittedly unlikely, but 12 with the hull array as well).

My questions is how does this compare with the real world capability - both 688 and Seawolf? From digging around a little online, I would imagine the 4 trackers capability sounds about right for at least an early 688. It appears the early 688's used the Mark 117 fire control system.

https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=l-DzknmTgDUC&pg=PA153&lpg=PA153&dq=mk113+fire+control+system&source=bl&ots=2tdSDWqdCo&sig=ZRAu7ke9euhf_eMBEiDJXaKUc2k&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CEAQ6AEwCGoVChMI8pWDrfGhxwIVhTAaCh0B5wda#v=on epage&q=mk113%20fire%20control%20system&f=false

This source doesn't exactly reveal the number of targets that can be tracked simultaneously. However the info for the Mk113 system, which was used in the Sturgeon class indicates that 2 trackers were available, along with a greater number of tracks stored in memory (In game terms - stored on the Nav map display). Mk117 was an evolution of this earlier system, could a modest increase to 4 be expected? Where does this leave later systems such as BSY-1 and the presumably more advanced Seawolf / Virginia versions. I guess these days the system is able to handle trackers on dozens of contacts at once.

Might be a long shot but anyone got an insight into these details? Cheers.

[Mahzel]

Well, modern sonars can track a wide array of targets thanks to numeric technologies. I'll guess most modern subs sonars can track an infinite number of targets, but as far designation goes, I don't see a system going over 99. Think of it, tracking more than 10 contact at a time is already a hell of a job for the sonar operator, not speaking of the TMA specialist.

Some european TCS I know of can keep dozens of live TMA solution, about the same amount in "hidden" state (the operator can't see them, but can call them back for future reference) as well as recalling a previously deleted track to start over (assume you've lost contact for some hours, you delete it to gain some space, but you take it back, so call back the previous bearing to start a new solution)

As for FCS, generally you have one Firing solution per tube, add some "standby" if you need to keep track of a solution for a secondary target, and you're about it.

Hope it satisfies your curiosity.