[Crannogman]

You are right, the missions are terrible - do not play the ones that come with the game. Play a patrol or, even better, a career. You can make sure your sub has radar and better guns and a decent gunner. A good gunner can easily knock a few planes out of the sky. A radar set will let you dive before the planes see you, which is even better. Once a plane spots you they will radio for help, and you will be constantly harassed by them until nightfall. Planes own the day, you own the night.

I remember the first time I was able to mount two dual 20mm AA guns, and sailed past Iwo Jima on the surface during daylight like I was a Boss. I shot down 10 Zeroes and took no damage, but I was out of AA ammunition. Radar is a much better investment- you're a submarine, not an Anti-Aircraft Cruiser.