what exactly is the function of the "contact report" button? how does it work? only thing I know: if airbase is close: aircraft will come. any other functionality?

Hi,

great work, h.sie! :up:

Just a few comments:

- I think there are two issues. One is getting a unit somewhere depending on the player's action, the other one the AI behavior of the unit. These two issues are independent and should be treated independently.

- I simple solution for the wolf-packs' positions and time frames would be to check the player's position and the current date. If the date is between a certain start- and end date (e.g., some month in '41 and mid '43) wolf-packs are possible. For the position you could define a rectangular containing the North- and Middle-Atlantic in which wolf-packs are possible (similar to the concept I have used for my zig-zagging script, see here for some coordinates: http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images...scriptopt.jpg/ ).

- I think the contact report message has two purposes: First, there is a chance of a friendly air attack if a base is near-by and second, there is a chance of an enemy air attack if a base is near-by (see airstrike.cfg in data/cfg). I don't know for sure, but I think if you are spotted by an enemy plane the convoy's escorts are also alerted.

- You can send a status report every two hours, but a contact report only every 12 hours. BDU orders were to send contact reports every 1 hour, IIRC (you can check the original submarine commander's handbook for the reporting orders, see below).

- As an incentive for the player to shadow convoys, it might be a good idea to give renown points for sending contact reports. At least for players using mods with the renown system (not NYGM) it would be nice.

Cheers, LGN1

Submarine commander's handbook:

http://www.hnsa.org/doc/uboat/index.htm

314.)

a) The essential contents of the reports must always be: Position, course, and speed on the enemy. Type, strength, and distribution of the enemy covering forces, and the state of the weather should be reported later to supplement these messages. Attention should be paid to the conditions of visibility and the resulting possibilities of error in estimating the distance for the reports on the position of the enemy.

b) Try to ascertain the general course of the enemy as soon as possible, from the reckoning, and report it as such (see Section II, B, No. 115).

315.) While carrying out its own attack, the submarine must transmit regular and complete contact reports, according to the following headings:

a) The two first boats to make contact, acting as "contact holders," transmit complete hourly reports.

b) As long as the two first boats transmit contact reports, the other boats signal "made contact!" once only, as soon as they have reached the convoy, or, analogously, "lost contact!", using short signals in both cases.

c) If a "contact holder" fails to send reports for longer than 1 hours, another boat must take over. This must be done without waiting for orders.

d) If a "contact holder" loses contact, it must report as soon as possible the last position of the enemy, and his course and speed.

e) All boats which have been in contact with the convoy, and lost ground in consequence of their long stay underwater, or have been driven off, must also report their own position.

316.) The "contact holders" also operate as is best for the purposes of their attack. Do not endanger your own overhauling maneuver, and the success of the attack, by approaching too close, in order to obtain (more) accurate firing data.

317.) The arrangements for guiding further submarines to the spot are greatly facilitated by the emission of D/F signals by the submarine maintaining the contact. At intervals of half an hour, the "contact holder" sends out D/F signals and a wireless signal, on a long wave-length fixed by Headquarters, defining the D/F and the distance from the enemy, according to "Standing War Orders for Submarine Commanders" ("St.Kriegsbor.B.d.U."), either at the request of other submarines, or on orders of the "Home Submarine Command," or, in certain circumstances, on its own initiative, if such orders are not received in time, and there is reason to believe that there are other submarines about. If the commander decides to send out D/F signals on his own initiative, the other submarines should first be notified by means of a wireless message or signal on the submarine's short wave.

318.) The transmission of D/F signals, however, always creates an additional danger that the "contact holder" will be spotted; consequently:,
a) Do not ask for D/F signals if dead reckoning and visibility are good.
b) Ask for D/F signals if the dead reckoning is wrong, visibility is very bad, or if nothing is sighted on the computed point of contact ("erkoppelter Treffpunkt").