| KeybdFlyer |
06-08-06 01:07 PM |
I'm almost afraid to throw my hat into this high-level discussion! :lol: I've read several people's ideas on plotting an intercept course and in the end gave-up and play it by ear most of the time. I've found so far (from a whole 2 weeks playing experience, lol) that the map icon gives a pretty fair indication of the potential target's course, so I use the ruler to extend a line as accurately as I can to a point just beyond my own position (assuming I'm ahead of its course as in this example). I use a high-end speed for each description - say 7kts for slow and 13kts for medium, then mark how far it would be along that line for each hour of travel (using 1.852 as a factor for km-nm). I underestimate my own speed very slightly - say 1knt less than I might be able to make - then use the compasses to check my own hourly distances. Somewhere, the two will coincide approximately, but that's close enough and I head off on the indicated heading, making sure that I will end up ahead of the target. Whilst chugging along, I then use the ruler to mark two lines parallel to the target's course, 4,500 mts either side, and another two 1,000mts either side. Upon reaching the intercept (invariably I'm early) I then zig-zag between the outermost limits back towards the target, submerging for the hydrophones when between the two 1000mt lines. The width of the "lane" allows for any inaccuracy in the estimation of the target's course and unless you're unlucky, you should get a contact pretty quickly allowing time to position yourself. Anyway - it works for me, lol. Now if only I could get a hang of getting the torp to pass nicely just below the keel instead of either a couple of mts below or glancing off the curve of the hull. Very annoying and very wasteful. Practice, practice, practice :)
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