So...how do you guys use the sonar to track down contacts?

[akula_krieg]

Once I'm within visual range, I have no problem plotting a convoy's course and speed, then punching out the usual end-around for a classic T-bone attack.

However, I see a lot of you on here talking about using sonar to estimate a convoy's route and moving into position without the benefit of visual contact.

Unfortunately, I seem to inept when sitting at the hydrophone station. Tell me...what's the procedure for setting up an attack using the hydrophone?

Gut huntin',
-akula-

[toryu]

Once I'm within visual range, I have no problem plotting a convoy's course and speed, then punching out the usual end-around for a classic T-bone attack.

However, I see a lot of you on here talking about using sonar to estimate a convoy's route and moving into position without the benefit of visual contact.

Unfortunately, I seem to inept when sitting at the hydrophone station. Tell me...what's the procedure for setting up an attack using the hydrophone?

Gut huntin',
-akula-

Mark the position of a hydrophone contact on the map. Wait for a measured amount of time, say 10 minutes, then plot the new position. Wait the same amount of time, then plot a third position. Join them with a line, and you have an approximate course.

Now, measure the distance travelled between the first and second points, then the second and third points. Average the two results. Use that figure, measured against the time elapsed, and you can calculate your targets speed in kmh. Convert that to knots (there are a few charts of this on the net) and you can start to estimate your own speed requirements and position requirements for an intercept position.

[akula_krieg]

Thanks for the reply.

My only question is...how do you estimate range? It seems plotting a contact at such-and-such bearings would be rather useless without an idea of what range it's at.

(Forgive me, relative distances and other such complications fail to pierce this abnormally thick cranial bone matter of mine)

-akula-

[BadBreath]

When you have the realsim option 'no map update' disabled, you get bearing lines on the map, they will allow you to plot the targets course.

When playing 100% realism I don't know how it works, since I play at 63%. Perhaps then the option for the sonar officer to guess the distance can be used?

BB

[Rosencrantz]

At 100 %, go to the navigation station and then:

1. When a new minute turns into the clock, ask the sound operator to give you a new bearing to the target.
2. While waiting the answer, MARK YOUR POSITION
3. Use the angle solver to mark the bearing given by SO.
4. Range you have to quess. Before you start plotting, have your own listening session to get a picture.
5. Repeat from 1. to 4. few minutes later.
6. Again, few minutes later, repeat the proces. NOTE: It's useful to keep the intervals of markings steady, for example 3 minutes. 3 minutes 15 seconds system I haven't find useful becaus a need to use a chronometr.
7. After you have marked targets bearing 3 or 4 times, it's time to try to make a motion analyse. That's not an easy task. If you are listening freigter, you could give it an estimated speed, for example 7 knots. But how do you know its course? Bearings won't tell it you. And there is also great error in bearings you can get from the sonar.

SIMPLE RESULT: To estimate the RANGE is easy but to find the targets track you need also maybe a qipsy with her crystall ball. Errors in estimated courses (tracks ?) can be as huge as 45 degrees, what I have seen. So, I usually do not try to do it. Not with this sonar.

I hope you understood, my english is not too good, sorry.

RC

[don1reed]

If at 100% without map updates and non-qualified soundman ( in other words, you're doing it yourself.)

1) at the sound station (12m), all stop, turn dial until you hear target. Note bearing.
2) bring U-boat to bearing, surface and charge ahead on that bearing for 10 minutes.
3) come to PD, reacquire target sound, note whether it's Port or Starboard from original bearing. For example, if it's now appearing at 350°, turn the boat 45° further, surface and charge ahead another 10 minutes.
4) follow this procedure until:
a) crew see's smoke on the horizon or
b) you can see the target named in the soundroom notepad.
5) open outer doors.

cheers,