Quote:
Originally Posted by THEBERBSTER
I did not realize that it was used when submerged.
|
INDEED! I never Knew that either! From my
overlenghthy post in the Captains Quiz re: USS Batfish's third attack on 2/13/1945 (the first two had been on the surface)-from the official log:
Attack # 3: " Time: 0448(H), Date: 13 February, 1945 Lat. 19°10'N, Long. 121°25'E
Target Data - Damage Inflicted
Description: The target, a Japanese submarine of I class was proceeding on a southeasterly course between CALAYAN and DALUPIRI Islands at six knots. Ship(s) Sunk: One Japanese Submarine (EC). I Class. Ship(s) Damaged or probably Sunk: None. Damage determined by: Saw one torpedo hit which blew target apart and caused him to sink in less than 10 seconds. Searched wreckage and recovered several books, papers, and equipment. Heavy oil slick which spread over large area. Nearly two hours after attack oil was still bubbling to surface in spot where target sank. Target Draft: 16 feet, Course 140° T., Speed 6 knots, Range: 1700 yards (at firing) OWN SHIP DATA
Speed: 3 knots, Course 220° T., Depth 44 feet, Angle 0° (at firing) FIRE CONTROL AND TORPEDO DATA
Night attack and at radar depth. First indications of a target were weak APR signals on 157 mgcs, 500 PRF. Swung sub to determine approximate bearing. Initial contact was made at 10,700 yards. Commenced approach. Twenty six minutes later with range to target 7150 yards on BATFISH's starboard side, target dove - reason unknown. Target had tracked on base course 120° True so headed for a spot ahead of and on it's track so as to be in position for an attack before dawn in the event that he surfaces again. One hour and ten minutes after target dove contact was regained at a range of 9,600 yards. Started new approach. With range to target 6,800 yards dove on his track and continued approach from radar depth. Since we have only two torpedoes forward swung for a stern shot and fired three Mark 18-2 torpedoes from stern tubes on a 80° starboard track, zero gyros. Torpedo run was 1,500 yards. Used a 1 knot speed spread and set torpedo depth at six feet. All torpedoes ran hot, straight, and normal, but after the first hit there was no target for the other two and they both exploded at end of run. One ran for 8 minutes and 53 seconds, and the other for 9 minutes and 11 seconds. The hit was accompanied by a brilliant orange explosion and a wide diffusion of pips on the radar screen that indicated he literally blew apart." I'll have to load SHIV myself now, just to try submerged radar attacks-sounds like fun