Quote:
Originally Posted by Gustav Schiebert
Hi guys - so, after six patrols starting in 1942, Oblt z. See Ernst Heller has taken the Type IX boat U-156 and sunk 230,000 tonnes of enemy shipping. It's now May 1944 and I've sucessfully applied for a transfer to 11th Flotilla in Bergen, and given command of U-2540, one of the latest Type XXIs.
Does anyone have any experience or hints/tips for getting the most out of this boat? Specifically: - Although it's much faster underwater, how vulnerable is it to active sonar?
- Not sure quite how the 'silent speed' works - pressing 'Z' gives me a speed of 7kts, seems a bit fast? Is this wonder weapon really that good?
- What are people's experiences with safe distances from escorts - for example, even at silent speed in my Type IX I normally start diving once within about 1000m of a destroyer. Can I get closer in an XXI?
- How stealthy is it (in regards to active sonar) while running diesels underwater, ie with the schnorkel up?
- With its super underwater speed, is running away at top speed (rather than silent - ie slow - and deep) a viable tactic? Although destroyers are faster they can't use asdic when travelling above about 12-15kts, and I can go 17 underwater.
Basically, as I don't have my stealth meter I can't tell weather I'm being over-cautious or over-loud in my attacks. I'm not generally being detected, so I suspect it's the former, but if anyone has any thoughts on which engine settings/speeds are best I'd love to hear them.
Have done a search for 'Type XXI tips/guide' so sorry if this doubles up a previous post. Thanks guys! |
The war was all but over by the time the XXI became active, so most of its battle performance is still conjecture. In game, the tactics for destroyer evasion remain unchanged except for the following:
1. Submerged speed. While you can run past the washout speed of detection gear, it is best to do this only to escape a search pattern AFTER dropping a BOLD 3 or better to distract the destroyer.
2. Silent performance. While the XXI is quieter and can run slightly faster and remain quiet, don't push your luck.
3. True Crush Depth. This is where the XXI shines a bit. Its hull is strong enough to allow you to get deep enough to confuse or evade late war sonar, which WILL bust the older boats.
In short, you have just enough new advantages to survive the late war. None are a guarantee, but you have a fighting chance whereas the II, VII and IX boats have next to none against late-war ASW.