Always use Impacts!

I'm using T-IV's point and shoot, they do the rest.

The straight runners I use impact in crap weather and magnetic in good.

On the other hand, I've been in the middle of a convoy in raging seas and had every single torpedo run straight to the target.

Well, one thing to bear in mind, is that it's not "magnetic vs. impact". The torps are always impact fuzed; the question, is whether or not to enable the magnetic exploder.

Magnetics are less reliable in the early years, but do allow you to attack with AOB > 40 degrees with a decent chance of success.

You may want to read the article on magnetic torpedoes on my webbie :D

I use magnetics and set them to impact in rough weather.

I saw nothing in your webbie about magnetic torpedoes Brag.
Rob

Rob--you're right. I went in there and it's gone!
I'll try to locate it or write another one.

The basic idea is: you want the torp to go diagonally to the ships centerline. This will give time for the magnetic pistol to arm and fire.

If you fire at an AOB of 90 degrees, the topr may explode on the other side of the ship, maybe too far to cause damage.

Magnetic Torpedoes


We hear a lot of bad mouthing of the magnetic pistols on the torpedoes. Just like the impact triggers, there were some deficiencies in the magnetics early in the war. However, if properly used, the magnetic is an extremely useful tool. All my battleship sinkings (4) were done with magnetics as they go under the armour belt of the ship.

When not to use magnetic. With deflection 0 and AOB 90 degrees, the torpedo will go under the ship and explode on the other side, causing little if any damage.

When to use it:
Ship is too close for torpedo to arm. Wait 'til ship passes and send a magnetic after it. Especially useful in low visibility.
When attacking a convoy and can't wait for the close to 90 degree AOB.
A zigzagging vessel.
In rough weather, with depth set at 10 meters or more.

In order to cause catastrophic damage, the torpedo must travel under the hull a certain distance for the pistol to activate and explode as close to the ship's centerline as possible. For this you need a shallow, diagonal trajectory.

I fire for magnetic detonation at AOBs less than 40 degrees. In calm weather, I select a depth of 1.5 meters below the ship's keel. In rough weather, 2 meters.

Haven't decided yet which depth is more lethal. Will run some tests during present patrol:arrgh!:

Currently during the early '40s, I've been experiencing pre-detonations and end of run explosions on both types of pistol. I prefer impact, but will use magnetic only in calm waters and on lone ships. Impact only with shallow depth on escorts. Also, the program seems to endeavor the following of historical torpedo consternation. Follow the advice of Bdu broadcasts regarding torpedo settings, and your results should improve. :)
Reverie

I started this thread because I've never attacked anything when the winds are 15m/s or greater.

Now, I've placed myself in a position to be able to intercept a large convoy under these rough sea conditions in June 1940 in a VIIB sub, no upgrades. The time is presently 1740 and sunset is not until 2200 hrs. I went to periscope depth to see if anything could be heard on the hydrophone. No sound.

Now I have no idea if I'm "bang on" the route of the convoy, but assuming I am, and I have 9 G7a torpedoes (including stern and 1 stern external, no externals forward). I am in Grid AM52.

If you were me, would you try to attack the convoy, or stay clear of convoy routes until the weather settles down.


Rob

I would wait, but that's me. :D

Leaving medical conditions aside if I may :D

The rough weather will help mask your boat from the escorts hydrophones....if you can get into a favourable position....then attack :up:

:rotfl: :rotfl: Well, I went for it. I encountered the convoy after sunset and between trying to pick ships that were not neutrals and ones I could sink and trying to take vids as well, I was all thumbs. I only got two though and I didn't get a vid of it being hit, :down: , oh well, the escorts started to close in so I went to 100 metres and they never even picked me up; never got pinged once going down to that depth.

I used impact at 4 metres.

HAHA, I go so confused I didn't know whether I was making vids of not because the Fraps number disappeared. :hmm: When it finally become visible, I was filming the nav map.

Rob