Equipment to detect underwater thermal layers
 

How come German u-boats weren't equipped with the gear to detect underwater thermal layers? If I remember correctly, the American WWII subs had such equipment. It really helped subs to avoid detection and ASW attacks.

Probably because they didn't have the technology/science to do so.

They took readings from salinity and other factors in the water, they had an idea about layers. But they operated mostly in the Atlantic. It's a harsh, stormy, loud, and rough theatre. The boats could hide accousticaly in a more efficient manner.

I always wondered if that is why they were located so easily in Gibraltar? No layers? No where accousticaly to hide?

I guess the thermal layer is not modeled in silent hunter III, correct?

Correct. It’s based on your boat profile and a counter in the program to determine if the escort heard or saw you with hydrophone/ASDIC.

What does that counter do? It counts how long you stay in a certain profile?

Basically if they shoot asdic at you, and you are broadside to them, your odds of being detected is at the highest level! Pointing bow or stern directly at the escort when they shoot asdic is the lowest odds. It is modeled quite well. Visually as well, on surface.