I also never use the rec manual. The more KTBs I read, the more I realize they used methods that were not the rec manual. The most prevalent method in there is matching course and speed (Ausdampfen). It can either be done from the side, or many times it was done from directly in front/behind.
My favorite method is similar to what I’ve gleaned from those logbooks, and that is to overhaul the target until you are on its course line, 0 AOB. You then have its course, at which time you can turn to match it and then adjust your own speed until the range stays constant, or run off his course a certain distance and then match the course, and then adjust your own speed until the bearing no longer changes, now you’ve matched course and speed. Another way is to take bearings while you overhaul the target and then once you get to its course line, plot the course line and then measure the distance between those bearings along the course line, and then solve for speed that way.
In short, the rec manual I believe is somewhat of a crutch, and it also provides perfect information, such that if you do everything right, you would never miss. I like the additional challenge of doing the above.
|