After reading a couple of threads about the difficulties some folks have with target I.D., I'll share a couple of tips on how I do it, since this is one area that gave me some trouble as well.
I remember a while ago, I requested that the makers of RFB add a feature of the WO being able to identify a target for you, just like in SH3. I was told that they would not do so, because in reality there was some difficulty in IDing Japanese shipping(I think that was the reason). I was alittle disappointed because this was an area that frustrated me
Those ships all looked the same to me!
I had to work alittle harder now, but with practice I was able to start IDing targets like a real submariner! The key IS practice. The more you do it, the better you'll get. Now I know alot of you out there don't use manulal targeting, and the ship is ID'd for you. That's OK. I know there are those that feel in RL the Captain would not be doing all these tasks, and a WO would indeed be IDing targets. That's true to a degree. The problem in the game is your guy is NEVER wrong! If you read RL sub patrols, you'd come across plenty of instances of mistaken ID.
As I said befor, I had to practice. Mistaken ID will cause missed shots. How? If you're like me, I determine speed by timeing how long it takes for a ship to cross the 0 bearing line of the scope. I have a chart of ship lengths, and doing some simple math, I can determine the ships speed pretty easily. That is of course if I ID it correctly! The wrong ship yields the wrong length, and subsequently the wrong speed and a missed shot.
So how could we ID a ship accurately in enough time befor it's on top of us? There are several things I do. I know this is pretty obvious but it may help a few out there. Also, this is basicly for merchants. First, I determine if I'm dealing with a Freighter, or Tanker. How? The position of the stack is a dead giveaway. A stack towards the Stern of the ship is a Tanker, while a more center oriented stack is a freighter. Right there, you just narrowed your choices down, so you don't have to start flipping through the manual looking at every ship. This can also be easily observed from long distances.
The next things do take practice and careful observations. They also need for the targt to be alittle closer for accuracy. Sticking with the stack, look at its shape and height. Some stacks are tall and thin, while others are more thicker and stout.
Look at the placement and design of the cranes and hoists. Use the feature of the manual that gives the angled views of the ship.
Also look at the placement of vents and platforms. Some freighters such as the Hog Island and the Raked Bow have a distinct curved air duct at the stern. When I see that duct, I automaticly know I'm dealing with either of those ships. Ships like the Large Modern Composit has a distinct raised platform at the stern.
Look for cuts and curves in the Hull design, and even the location of lifeboats. Some ships have them very visable. Well that's just a few of the major aspects I use to accurately ID a target. As I said befor, this is probrably obvious to most, but for a newguy who's haveing trouble like I did, mabey this will help.
I'd love to hear of anything different that some of you may use. I'm always open for new ideas!