convoy attacks '42
 

So I'm near the end of 1942. It looks like the ASW has gone way ahead of my ability to get near a merchant. I'd say I have about a 1 in 5 chance of getting out alive with a kill. Does it reach a point where the convoys are just untouchable?

It depends on your tactic. I found that intercepting the convoy for best attack position, and ambush it (preferably at night) let all tubes loose and just turn tail and dive at ahead standard to 150m. by the time the escorts are onto you, you are atleast 3km away.

Tactics vary from player to player.

In my experience with the game, when a convoy contact comes up, using the ruler, I plot their course up to 200 kms depending on how far away I am.

I like to attack parallel to the convoy if possible and get ahead of them by at least 5km, submerge and proceed at 2 knts.

It is best if you can parallel then from about 50 km (50 kms keeps you just out of the destroyers range)and run at full or flank until you can get ahead of them and turn to attack.

One mistake I have made is attacking convoys in shallow water.
Shallow water is almost certain death.

The last convoy I attacked was in 40m deep water.
No matter what I did the destroyers would find me and attack without mercy.

That is where zig-zag and free camera come in handy.

Yes, if your not careful, shallow water attacks can mean certain death.

Its not impossible, just hard.

No, you can still attack from range, but the 'Happy Times' of the early war are definitely a thing of the past. :nope:

Just wait. Later on in the war, good luck getting far out of port, let alone near a convoy!

Well said!
When this time comes , it is just shoot and go.
If you have FAT torps even better.

I'm still in late 1939 and I have to admit, I'm getting sloppy. If what you guys say is true, I'm going to have a really tough time of it!

Aw, where's the fun in that? :arrgh!:

(and by fun, I mean PTSD induced nightmares and shouting "ALARM!" whenever a phone rings :dead:)

That's the real danger, (getting sloppy that is). Next thing you know Allied detection takes a big jump forward while we're still living in the past dreaming about easy kills. The term 'rude awakening' comes to mind... :o

Bay of Biscay is a death trap from 1943 onwards, always swarming with allied aircraft day and night.

Compared to the Atlantic, are the Med or Indian ocean 'easier' from that period until the end?

One word: hedgehogs

Mid 43 and convoy attacks are still working fine for me, IF the escorts are sparse enough.

I'm dreading the allies switch to millimeter wave radar. My tactics are heavily reliant on Metox at the moment.

But you won't end like Thomsen....always drunk.... :O: :salute:
If the Alberich would work like it did in real, there would be more success.