sorry for ressurecting an old thread. I'm a long time RFB+RSRDC player who recently switched to TMO2.5+RSRDC and wanted to offer my 2 cents..
regarding the AI, TMO 2.5 is not substantially different or more or less realistic than RFB, it is just a different interpretation of the same reality. I have done a number of RSRDC single missions to test the AI, sometimes it finds you easier in TMO than RFB, sometimes it does'nt.
It does appear easier to be found in TMO when at periscope depth, but appears easier to avoid detection if below the thermal layer + silent running, so the trick of diving below an escort screen does work.
Looking through the TMO and RFB "sim" files, you see that TMO is not harder than RFB; it is in certain areas, but easier in others. For example, it is easier to be found in TMO than RFB in clear calm waters or during the day, but it is easier to be found in RFB than TMO in choppy waters or at night.
It is also relatively easy to escape if you are found. Going deep below the thermal layer and "silent running" usually does the trick. I have had some close calls, but have always managed to escape so far. Again, looking at the "sim" file shows that the TMO AI will give up quicker if it does not reestablish contact than the RFB AI.
As a final tip, when trying to escape from an escort, it is probably not a good idea to use bursts of "flank speed". Unlike RL, DC blasts will not mask your noise in SH. Using "flank" just makes it easier for the escort to reestablish contact. Staying at "silent running" and just using the rudder to get out of the way is usually a better long term strategy.
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