Need help URGENT
 

So I was on patrol to post my next patrol post (see 'First Career w/ gwx thread) and ran into a MAJOR PROBLEM. I was charging my batteries when jumped by a squadron of Swordfish and stayed up and fought them off. However, my rudder was destroyed in the attack and I don't know if I can repair it. I am pointed towards my base, but my heading will take me barely within 25 km of the base. Can I just go ahead and try to return to Lorient or end the campaign?

Since you are dead otherwise, it seems the only option is to try and RTB.

If you have Stiebler's patches active, you could abandon ship. Maybe get picked up by a friendly. Or maybe not....

I've been looking for that mod but can't find it. Ther has been many times where I'd like to have abandoned ship and surrender, but...
Can you give me a name for that mod walleye? And I'll try the return. Hopefully it'll work out.

The mod you look is Stiebler4A_V16B1_Addon Patch and the forum link is http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/show...tiebler+add+on

you will need to install first H.Sie's Hardcoded Fixes
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=174225

You could also try "End Patrol" from the menu.

Best bet is to wait until nightfall and try to repair it. I think if you go to end campaign while at sea you will automatically return to port. Some mods take this feature out though.

This is SH3. Why can't you just teleport home?

I'd say teleport too, once you are at that 25 km from base. Seems like a reasonable distance for a tug to be able to pick you up.

Assuming your rudders are totally gone and both your propellers are still working, you would be able to pivot into your desired direction (repeatedly) and reach friendly waters.

Different speed settings for your propellers would make your boat slowly turn.

If your rudder is jammed and you can't repair/remove it, you would face Bismarck's fate.

Return To Base?

I can't teleport yet because I'm more than 25 km out. I am on course to Lorient, but it is the end of my patrol from grid GH52(??) and have about 15% fuel left, so I won't move fast and can't risk wasting time. I 've been lucky enough to not have any contacts, but....

I am currently moving towards home at one third, but the waves aren't helping. I am a bit off course but hopefully I'll reach the 25 km radius. I'll update depending on my situation later tonight. Thank you all for the help!!!

You do realize that in SH3 you can teleport home from anywhere on the globe?

Not very realistic, but it can be done. You don't have to get to some minimum distance from home port.

I prefer the realism from it. At 25 klicks, a tug could likely reach you and pull you into port.

I think one of the biggest challenges in the game is getting home and docking safely after a patrol, especially after suffering damage - for this reason I never use RTB option.

Even docking can be a challenge but I find it very satisfying to draw up alongside the quay and order "Alle Maschinen stop!". Even when it is necessary to use another base or supply ship because reaching the home base is not possible . . .

That's nice, and I agree, but if your rudders are destroyed you can't sail home. Your choices are RTB or career over.

In SH3, if you are not running at 100% realism, you can end patrol from anywhere in the world and you will magically return to base.

If you try to do this at 100% realism you will only be allowed to "abandon career".

As was pointed out, in real life you can steer the boat using the propellers. If one or both rudders were jammed hard over this might be harder but I'm betting you could still do it with one screw running in reverse at some speed while the other runs forward.

I think, once or twice, I have run into a "stranded" situation due to both diesel engines being destroyed. What I have done is surface the boat and crank up the TC. If I can go 3 days without contact with the enemy, then I assume that Germany was able to send someone to rescue us.

Steve