search patterns
 

Is there any paticular pattern ye all use to during patrol. Zig zag, bowtie etc. Which one is effective. I am currently in the Celebes Sea zig zagging were I think the mechant lines are according to the map. Also is speed a factor. What I mean is should you be going full throttle or 2/3 speed. What did captians of that era do?


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When searching for vessels in a search pattern or shipping lane I'd take my time, go to 1/3 speed or less so to not miss any contacts. No point rushing to point 'X' you might miss a contact at point 'B' or 'C' or.....

Having said that, going that slow you might miss the contact at point '"W' or 'X'. :lol:

When I get to the patrol point, I draw my 50nm radius circle and then plot an alternating point hex pattern for patrol.

I radio in my update then start my patrol. Usually it takes 2 full trips around the circle to make the fullfillment of time required to patrol the area. Then I scoot back to the center and radio in my update and usually the star greys out. I run my patrol at 2/3rds.

I usually cross up with one or two contacts in that situation.

I zig zag at about 8 kts, which is what I think is similar to what they did in real life