IXC/40 / IXD2 Questions.
 

Hey folks.

I am currently in a IXC, it is now early 1943 and I'm starting to think about a boat change, as my renown is now just past the 6000 mark (after upgrading my current ride).

I have tried searching the forum for info, but still can't find a definitive answer, in fact... I've found contradicting answers.

So can someone set the record straight on the IXC/40 and IXD2 for me?

Specifically:

IXD2 : Torpedo load increased to 26, lots more fuel, dives like its made of styrofoam. Does this boat have an increased safe dive depth over the IXC?

IXC/40 : Slight increase in fuel.... and thats about all I know.
Does the IXC/40 dive deeper than the IXC, like the VIIC/41 does over the VIIC?

The VIIC/41 is the deepest diving boat, is it not?

I play a conservative game (safety first! I like my boat!), so I'm normally pretty smart about my attacks, and I don't mix it up with aircraft - so the slightly longer IXC dive time hasn't bothered me this far....

But I'm asking because I've had a series of close calls the last two patrols.
I've gone from taking minimal, if any damage on patrols to bringing my boat back in tatters with one diesel gone, no radio, etc!

So I'm obviously looking to get into the cellar quicker, and deeper for that matter.

I was thinking about transferring out of Lorient to someplace where I can get myself a VIIC/41.... that is, unless I hear from you good people that the IXC/40 or IXD2 can indeed get me nice and deep like in a VIIC/41!

Thanks in advance.

Me personally, I like the IXD2. Sitting still, ideling on the surface, you can recharge your batteries.

The thing I don't like is the increased dive time. This comes into play in 1943-1944. Departing any base in France, you will be attacked by aircraft. IXD2 dive times necessitate running at 50 meters or more nearly all the time. And it is very slow to dive. Averaging about 37 seconds.

I have taken the IXD2 to around 225 meters diving from a group of DD's.

Also, i don't know if you can get it on the IXC/40, but one good thing coming to you is the Quad 32 MM anti-aircraft gun. Use the IX2 conning tower! I do not like the IX3 conning tower.

But ultimately, what it boils down to is your own personal taste.

Here is a tip.

Upgrade to the IXD2. Take it out on patrol, test it and if you don't like it, you can always exit the patrol and start back up at the mission before.

I like the IXD2, but you should also be aware that your probably near the last half of the war and Allied Aircraft will now be a constant problem.

Forewarned is to be prepared.

Happy Hunting.

You don't need to upgrade to new boat just to test it. Use single player missions for that.

I had a look at IID - 5 torps is just too few, and the boat is so cramped that it would be unbearable if you got flatulent crew!

Then I had a look at the last VII type, it had quad AA + 2x zwilling just like IXD2.
My current VIIC is getting pretty boring (I'm in november 1942), as I have to waste torpedoes on escort during convoy attack, unless I want to play with 3 destroyers after I run out of torpedoes (that happened to me once).
Currently IXB, IXC, IXC/40 are available (in Lorient), but I don't want IXC/40.
I think IX types are ideal for convoy raiding.

I have noticed that when I spot an aircraft and attack it, more come, but if I shoot down ~10 aircraft there are no more in the rest of the game :D. So I guess in IXD2 you don't need to dive at all, just turn your boat to face them at 90' or 270' (to minimize chance of hit) and keep firing. Quad AA must be able to down a bomber on first pass.

The IXD2 is a very nice flak platform to help you get through the Bay of Biscay and to your patrol area. The dive is slow and its a huge sonar target, escorts won't have much problems finding you. Once you are free though they can tear a convoy to shreds with the torpedo load. Best haul I've ever had was on a IXD2, 201,000 tons spread over three different convoy's I encountered till running out of eels.

If you can make it to the point where you can get a snorkel moving around with the IXD2's gets easier, but you are still quickly found by those pesky planes even submerged. The VIIC's are more nimble but with a much smaller amount of firepower compared to the IXD2. I like to compare them to flight missions that the aviators would have had. With a B-17 you could be gone for 12-18 hours per mission, the P-51 might only have a few hours flying time (excluding escorting bomber groups) flying sorte's against incoming bombers so you might get 2-3 sorte's in the same time you would if you were in the bomber. Bottom line is really which better matches your style of play and what you have the most fun in :up: