:hmm: I think you're confusing reality with subroutines. The game engine has two parts: one, the graphics display (as seen, by you, on your monitor) and two, the underlying game world (as defined by numerous subroutines for ship behavior, environmental behavior, and artificial intelligence ... AI behavior).

The pilots of enemy planes cannot "see" what you see. They are, in fact, nothing but a lot of computer code ... mathematical definitions outlining a set of parameters ... in an attempt to approximate real life. If all the factors involved in spotting a submerged submarine could be crammed into this simulation, it would probably take a super-computer to run it in real time.

WHAT??? I guess now you're going to tell me there's no Easter Bunny!!!

MOMMY!!!!
:rotfl:

Well Binary101.....

As im sure you can tell, this has been touched on quite a bit in the past. Probably the most contraversial gameplay adjustment ive ever made. I think most like it, but theres definatly a number who don't. *shrug*

I read on one of the online WWII Sub Commanders manuals thingys that standard procedures was during daylight hours in areas where aircraft were known to be patroling to maintain a depth of 140 feet. When I'm patroling near Japan I keep her at 150-200 feet at three knots. Can pretty much stay down during daylight hours. Come up at night to recharge and make up for lost time.

If you think about it, the only thing that CAN GET YOU during daylight hours that you can't pick up by sound first, is aircraft. It's also the only thing you can't shoot at while at periscope depth. :know:

In the pacific several japanese subs were straffed by fighters off the CVEs. The FM-2 Wildcat of the VC squadron would fly a couple hundred feet off the surface of the ocean. They would sight a jap sub at periscope depth. In most cases the pilots brought back intel to the carrier clearly showing the sub in the water. They would start circling and straffing the sub. while TBM Avenger bombers came roaring in. the Avengers would drop a mix of depth bombs and Mk 24 Fito torpedos on the target. The clear water of the Pacific was often a disadvantage to the submarine.

I thoguht the very first picture on this page:
http://www.navsource.org/archives/08/08360.htm

was rather interesting.

Yes, it is. Never seen that one before. Thanks.

Sub's can be seen at PD
 

I'm on Ducimus's side, although I don't like being sunk any more than the rest of you. Having flown over major portions of the South Pacific, it's amazing how clear the water is in some places. A sub at periscope depth could be seen.