Tail Chase Tips?
 

You know the scenario:
- Spot a contact on radar
- Move to intercept
- Get there a bit too late so you are now chasing the target

What is th best way - in terms of position and range - to do an end around to get in a better attack position so the target does not pick you up and start changing course?

Thanks.

I find heading away from them at a 45 degree angle to their course, then after a suitable distance is achieved running parallel, before finally running towards them at a 45 degree angle.

Usually gets you well ahead and far enough away that you'll not be noticed when motoring past them.

Phat Bhoy Tim is right, If you have picked him up first, check your range and stay at that range or farther out. But close enough to hold visual sighting. Then work around like Tim said until you are far enough out from him to come back in and be lying in wait for that perfect setup...Good Hunting....

What I do is get a course plot and speed estimate on 'em, then lay out on the nav map a line with the ruler tool along their projected course.

Then use the compass tool to draw a set of radii along the projected course that will keep me far enough away to prevent me being spotted by them, yet still maintain visual contact myself.

Next I'll plot a course for the outer edge of the 1st circle, then plot from there to keep me on the edge of the circles I've drawn. I'll dip inside occasionally to make sure they haven't changed course.

After a while of that, and I'm far enough ahead, I'll draw another circle along their projected course that will put me in a good firing position, manuever into the circle, go to periscope depth and all stop, and wait for them to come to me!

DH

I let 'em go unless it's something big and worth chasing. Most of the time the fuel you burn isn't worth the tonnage. If I do decide to chase, I pull the classic "end around"...except I don't normally use flank speed for any extended period of time as ahead full seems to be a lot better in terms of fuel economy.

Agree with most posts here. A modest end around (not using flank unless the target is worth it and sun-up is too soon) keeping the original sighting distance in a big arc is effective, taking advantage of any break in the escorts or reduced sighting distances along the way..
-Pv-

Good advice guys - but what is the minimum separation distance you should allow to remain unspotted??

Good question! I've had pretty good luck maintaining 4-5 nm distance in daylight, good weather. However if a DD comes over my way, it can get "interesting".

At night or in crappy weather I'll stay closer, just how much depending entirely on the conditions.

Of course, if you've already had a go at the convoy and set one afire, and you're going for an end-around after things calm down, that smoke plume is the best beacon you could ask for! You can stand off so far you'll never be spotted, and hunt until the time is right :arrgh!:

DH

For an extra knot, flank is indeed rarely worth it.