Yes WWII had fixed pitched props.

It was only the early Paraffin powered boats of the German navy that had this feature, and it was very troublesome.

CPPs are a very complex thing. Think about it, you have control rods running down the center of a hollow shaft to linkages in the screw to change the pitch of it. That's a lot of mechanics involved.

As a physisitc, I totally see where Letum is coming from though. You'd think that A->B->C couldn't possibly be as efficient (or more outrageous moreso) than a straight A->C system.

I believe where the magic is happening is that decoupling the propeller(s) and diesel engine(s) lets you run them at their own individual best-efficiency speeds. Bolted together they must compromise between the two and take a hit to their combined efficiency that nullifies the benefit of having less energy transitions in the chain.

You'd think a proper gearing arrangement would be even better than diesel-electric as it would allow them both to spin at efficient speeds with a more direct mechanical connection over a more lossy one.. It's absurd to think you're getting energy for free. If that was the case you could ride a bicycle that powered an electric motor that turned a shaft that turned a generator that powered a motor that turned a shaft... and all of a sudden you're powering all of Eastern Europe.:har:

Sure they did it!

This is how Prien got out of Scapa Flow again!

To which nation boats are you reffering now ?

Lets get the facts straight gentlemen. There was exactly one u-boat build for the imperial german navy that had controlable pitch propellers and this was the SMU 1. This configuration was given up since then because of the low efficiency of this sort of propellers.

For more info check my website:
http://www.dreadnoughtproject.org/he...r%20backup.htm
http://www.dreadnoughtproject.org/heinrich/

And what exactly is your job ? :hmm2:

Deamon

You are correct about only one of the Kaiser's boats having controllable pitch props. However it was not the only German boat to have this. The small boat the Forelle had one, and the Karp, Karas, and Kambala, had these propellers. These were German made boats, but served in Russian navies. In my post I said the really early boats, nothing about the nation under which they served.

Prien's escape from Scapa was done on the surface? I was not aware of this. Nice to have an armored sub eh? My understanding is he escaped submerged due to the number of naval ships in that small harbor. I have really just concentrated on the tech of the boats, and the strategy of the Grand Admiral. Can you recommend any books about Prien's attack?

I know it is a game, but when I try this attack, that is how I do it, the whole approach is done awash, and then submerged, and remain submerged. I have unfortunately not read much about Prien's attack.

(I just looked at your site, Very nice. I like. Are you still trying to make a sim?)

If I remember right, Prien was forced to exit surfaced as there was such a strong current into the harbor, that only the diesel engines had enough power to get out.

Upon some research, I stand corrected about his escape. However, looking at the tech descriptions of the charging system, there does not appear to be a method of engaging the motors for propulsion when operating at flank power. I will continue my research.

Here is the best site I've found on Prien and Scapa Flow. It gives all the details of the attack, including the escape - on the surface.
http://www.u47.org/english/index.asp

These features about the engines being all freely maneuverable is definitely a must-do on the wishlist of everyone... I can tell you we've been wanting this possibility all since SH2 in the 24th, I'm sure there's more people that thinks the same and I hope we can get it. :DL

Cheers :rock:

:up:I agree :yeah:,I hope UBISOFT will include in SH5 the possibility to speed up or slow down the left and right engines independently :yeah:

An aswer to LETUM
 

tHow could this setting save fuel?

The runnig diesel were working at its most efficient power. Uboot speed was around 6 knots.

http://www.uboatarchive.net/KTBNotesPropulsion.htm

Well, I also want this feature in SHV!

Reading that site painfully reminded me of the need for ocean currents, an improved sea floor and complete control over the compressed air tanks :wah:. I forgot how important the currents would be over the path of the torpedoes