Ease of Detection by Active Sonar Differences between U-Boat types?
 

Hello,

I am getting ready to play an SH3 Campaign (With GWX) for the first time in a while, and had a question:

I've heard that smaller U-boat models are harder to detect with active sonar because essentially there is less metal to detect. If this is true, the Type II would be far harder for active sonar to pick up than the type IX.

Is this true in real life? and what about in SH3?

Thanks for any info

Basically, ASDIC sends out a sound pulse. That pulse hits an object that reflects sound. A hollow metal object like a uboat acts like a drum. The larger the object the greater the pulse return, which is why you practice profile dicipline. Keep your bow or stern facing the destroyer to keep a small profile.

so if I used a type II, it would be harder to detect than type VII or IX?

Harder to detect, yes, but not enough harder as to make any real difference.

In other words worry about profile, not the size of your boat. As Schlechter said no difference.

So if you must select a type for it's active sonar performance then select one with best turning rate for speed. You want the one that is the best at being able to turn as quickly at slow speeds. (Just came up with this, never tested it myself) It is very easy to get broadside returns when you are down and the destroyers are circling you above. And you don't want to increase speed for a quicker turn. Silence matters.