Quote:
Originally Posted by joegrundman
this not correct mathematics
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Maybe so.
However, it is correct physics.
A torpedo travels about 1000m/min
A 300 meter ship at ten knots travels about 300m/min
If a sub at 1000m, perpendicular to the target fires a torpedo at the middle of the ship, the middle of the ship will have traveled 300 meters by the time the torpedo arrives at the spot at which it was aimed, missing the ship by 150 meters.
If the sub is at 2000 meters, and it fires a torpedo at the center of the ship, it will miss the ship by 450 meters.
Etc.
It appears prudent to lead the ship.
The AOB calculation corrects the equation for the sub not being perpendicular, by adjusting the amount that you lead the ship with your torpedo.
This is done by the torpedo computer when you feed the data into it.
If the torpedo doors are not open when the fire order is given, there will be a delay in the firing of the weapon by several seconds, making the torpedo arrive late and perhaps missing the ship.
The only time range is not important is if both the sub and the target are stopped, and the ship is at least 350 meters away, and no further than the range of the torpedo (?5Km).