[TorpX]

Originally Posted by Sniper297

What would be great is if some genius modder could reprogram the ingame map to display targeting and tracking based on input from the player instead of choosing either automatic full perfect tracing or no tracing at all.

Agreed.



I don't believe subs had the full mechanical plotter as you describe it. I think there was a plot table with a dead reckoning indicator, that would show the position of the sub (not sure if all subs had this). It wouldn't be directly linked to TDC, but rather both the TDC and DRI would receive input from the pitometer log and gyro compass. The targets would have to be plotted by crew.

Furthermore, the TDC was developed before Radar. The 'normal' method of approach would be to close submerged, and make periodic observations, by periscope. This means the tracking party would have to figure out when and where the zigs occurred, and iron out any inconsistencies in the plot. The process could not be completely automated; they had to be able to make changes.



P.S.

I looked at some of the diagrams in N. Friedman's sub reference. He shows a few examples of the conning tower layouts. At it's last refit, Haddo had a Mk. 4 mod 0 TDC, and a DRT (dead reckoning tracer?) table in the back of the compartment. As they were close together, it is possible they did work together in some fashion. By war's end, the CT's were very crowded.

Early TDC models took up more space, and were located in the control room. Experience lead them to design a more compact unit to put in CT, so skipper could see both plot, and TDC data, and the TDC could get inputs from Sonar/Radar. I wish we had the nitty-gritty details on all this.