Everyone talks about the Gato class, but what about the Balao class?
 

Just curious, I see many people talking about their first class sub they're going to take out, everyone says "GATO"

But why? Isn't the Balao a better sub? It was more advanced correct? so why the GATO?

also what about Tench class? is that in this game?

Anyway, thanks all, I guess I am just wondering what is the difference between the GATO AND BALAO CLASS, and why many are choosing the GATO over the Balao.

I like the balao more than the gato because of the different conning tower. ;) Balao for the win! :D


http://www.maritime.org/tour/img/tpier.jpg


http://www.aotd-clan.com/Bilder/ubootkrieg/redtower.jpg

The Gato was the first "modern" "Fleet" boat in US Navy inventory and was built in large numbers (73 units) - making it's impact on the war effort greater than any other class. The first Gato - which was THE Gato - made its first war patrol in April '42.

Now, if you wait for a Balao you will have to start patrolling in July of '43 as that was the date of Balao's first patrol.

Note = there could have been some ships of each class that were actually commissioned and wen on partrol before the class name boats - but you get the general idea.

Because I don't want to wait until the fleet subs are available I will start with the older (crappier) subs like the S-class or Salmon class.;)

Probably because the first Gato entered service in January 1942, and the first Balao didn't enter service until February 1943.

true 'dat! I figure most people want to start at the beginning of the war. Which means GATO is SOTA (state of the art).....

Lord knows, I want to be at Cavite, and crank it up with a S boat and a whole load of Mark 10s! Mainly b/c I am crazy that way. :doh: :doh:

Oh, I think that the bridge is not specific to the Balao class, most Gatos got their bridges cut down once the war started.

How about a more superficial reason to go for using a Balao...

Because it was the sub(model) used in a movie I proudly own on DVD... 'Run Silent, Run Deep' with Clark Gable and Burt Lancaster! :rock:


Speaking for myself, I will actually start a campaign with whatever sub they requisition you to start out with in SHIV(S-Class?) and work my way up to bigger and better things, just like I always did in SH3. Well, sort of anyway. I would start out in the Type IIA in SH3 and go for 2 patrols in it, then I would edit my renown so that I had enough to get a Type VIIB and the crew for it. :arrgh!:

Cheers

Dean is right; the Gatos also had their fairwaters cut down during the course of the war. Just take a look at Captain Jack's Drum photo thread.
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=107626

also what about Tench class? is that in this game?
 

The Tenches did not enter service till late '44, and did not arrive in theater till 1945. Only a few of them made a limited number of war patrols. The ones that did make late war patrols distinguished themselves on lifeguard patrol.

Balaos also had a different style of radar than the gatos I believe.

Not to nit pick, but the first Gato commissioned was the Drum (SS-228). It was the only Gato in commission on Dec 7, 41.

The Drum, Gato, Greenling and Silversides all started their first War Patrols from Pearl in Apr 42.

sorry fastfed

Salmon, Sargo, and Tambor: beginning to end
 

If you want to go all the way, first kill and most patrols, then a Salmon or a Sargo is for you. I like Searaven myself. If you want to go with the most successful boats, then a Tambor.

Actually,they didn't. All classes of subs,including the Salmons,Sargos,Tambors,Gatos,Balaos and Tench class would be refitted with the best available radar when they had the time to install it.