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I've searched around but I cannot seem to find any documentation about safe operating ranges. For example, things like:- How close can I get to a target without being seen on the surface in calm/rough weather at day/night?
- How close can I get to a target whilst submerged at ahead slow/ahead standard?
Now I know these are a little 'how long is a piece of string' but I was wondering if anyone has documented anything like this, just as a starting point.
The main reason for asking is that I'm constantly trying to increase my realism setting and things like this are, to me, still complete guesswork.
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It depends on the weather conditions and your angle to the target.
In stock SH3 there is a "detection indicator" - a profile of your sub. When you are not detected it is green. I think it turns yellow and then red as you get detected, but I have not used it in years so I don't remember.
Radar is another factor that you have to take into account.
In 1932 and early 1940, you can attack convoys at night on the surface, as they don't have guns to shoot back even if they see you. I've successfully attacked on the surface in foul weather right in the midst of a convoy, and it was necessary as I could not see beyond 500m anyway.
After 1941, you really don't want to risk being caught on the surface as nearly every ship is armed.
I have the 16K GWX mod installed, so I can "see" out to 16,000m. I try to follow alongside convoys at flank speed at around 10,000 or more meters. This seems to be far enough to avoid detection from escorts, though sometimes a flanking escort will start making motions in my direction and I assume they are getting radar hits so I will break away from the convoy until they go back.
My preferred method of attack is to do an end-around and get in front of the convoy by 10,000m and submerge, getting within 2000m of the track of the lead escort. Any closer and you risk the lead escort picking you up as he goes by, any farther and the flank escort will run over you with the same result.
I am dead stop as the lead escort goes by, then I go slow ahead as he passes to bring me inside the convoy columns.
By late 1942 I don't think it is a good idea to try and get inside the ranks of the convoy, especially in fair weather. The escorts can hear you all the way down to 220m. So after mid 1942 I am going to long-range attacks only - 5000-8000m with steamers on slow at night.
While submerged, you can get as close as you want to any target not carrying sonar equipment - they can't see you and they can't hear you. So you can go right under a merchant submerged and they will never detect you.
With destroyers, I try to avoid getting closer than 2000m while at silent running and dead stop and keeping my nose pointed at them.
Steve