Clay, that is the A-Scope radar display for the original SJ surface search radar, this is what they had until late 43 and into 44 when the PPI(Planned Position Indicator) scope(to the right of the A scope in the game) was introduced as part of the improved SJ radar, which was much more useful since it gave a tactical picture by displaying contacts in relation to the sub.Target range, bearing, direction of travel and even size(larger ships gave larger returns on the PPI scope) could be determined.The real PPI scopes were so good, subs were able to shoot only on radar information if needed and score hits.Unfortunately the radar is not that good in the game.
The A scope basically let you know there was something out there and gave the range.
The dancing green line means a contact...the 150 means 15,000 yards, the 30 means 30,000 yards and so on.
if you look up above the A scope, there is a dial the rotates when you have the radar in "sweep" mode, this gives the bearing of the contact.Are you playing the "stock " game? Can't remember if you can look up at it or not, in mods like TMO you can.
In the game you have both radar scopes from the start which is historically inaccurate, shortcut on part of the devs.Some boats kept the A scope in addition to the PPI scope, because it was good for range finding.SJ radar CAN detect aircraft if they are flying low enough but its rare.
SD radar detects planes, unfortunately there is no working SD scope in the game, although in all subs except the S-Class and Porpoise, a "for lookgs only" unit is in the control room on the forward bulkhead.SD contacts are displayed on the nav map if you have map contacts turned on.Problem is, their speed, direction, bearing and range can be ascertained, unlike the primitive SD radar, which was no directional.Basically, the SD just let you know there was a plane there and it's range, no bearing or direction.In late war, SV radar came into service, this was an air search radar that gave range, bearing and direction.
Hope this helps.
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