1. As @Mike wrote, in RA many weapons uses
coded settings. All subs are more or less the same - most important is weapon loadout. Weapon should determine your tactic. For example in RA we have some versions of Akula:
- Akula I
- Akula I imp
- Akula II
- Akula III
I and I imp uses different weapon than II and III.
Reading weapon guide is not only recommended - its mandatory
2. All torpedoes are quite loud. Best way for delaying detection is to guide them on opposite side of layer
Some advanced torpedoes (only with wireguiding) allows you to change their search depth. Code for this feature is in weapon manual :P
3. SS-N-15 and SS-N-16 are NOT antiship missiles. Ther are SUBROCs - only for ASW
Akula II and III can use Sizzler ASM - this is best missile in game with terminal supersonic speed and waypoints. You should use them from range greater than 10 nautical miles.
From closer range i always prefer torpedoes.
4. You can check how strong is acoustic signal under layer and above layer. This is only 1 method but needs time for changing depth. Good advice is to stay always close to layer.