how long in career mode until years change?
 

I haven't really started to play the game fully yet but plan to soon. One thing that bugs me is I don't have much time to play, and I tend to drag on career missions until every torpedo and ounce of ammo is spent, so one mission can take days.

What concerns me is that there's all this cool equipment - radar, homing torpedoes, boats with more than 6 tubes... but how long will it be before I get those?

If someone could generally sum up how much time, or how many missions and/or renown, are needed to make certain key leaps in the game progress I'd appreciate it.

There aren't any career/time leaps. If you start in 1941, you will literally go completely thru the war. I do think when you return to base, a couple weeks will pass before heading back out on another mission.

If you want to use some of the later boats and better equipment, start another career in 43 or 44 (if you want a Balao class sub). The game is coded where different equipment and boats become available to "buy" with your renown at a set dates. As far as new sub, I believe the game will award you one (you can't use your renown).

There is that nagging early retirement thing though.

Yeppers, just make sure the boat you pick or upgrade to was actually in production and use by the Navy before you pull into port. If it's not, find a tender and refit.

Strange. I've heard of this, but have never had an "early retirement". Been playing since March. My current game is on war patrol 11 in mid 45.

As has been discussed extensively elsewhere, it's becoming more obvious the early retirement is a result of game playing style so doesn't happen to everyone.
-Pv-

I got it when I brought a wrecked boat home
 

But at least I made it home..