In reality the sonars worked like this:
I'm quite sure that something can be done regarding the visual detection routines. I seem to recall something of that nature when I was doing IuB.
Anyway, this page is very useful:
http://www.de220.com/Electronics/Sonar/Sonar.htm
I used it as a basis for some research into historic sensor values for IuB. Cdr Gibs might remember more - I have no idea what the case is in GWX. The following should be noted:
Quote:
These early sonars had several shortcomings. First was the 2500 yard maximum range, requiring escorts to be less than 5000 yards apart to obtain overlapping coverage. This range was reduced by rough or high-salinity seas, underwater temperature inversions and thermo clines.
Second was the narrow beam, measuring only 16 degrees. This was akin to searching a very large dark room with a tiny penlight while wearing blinders.
Third, the early sonar could not determine depth, a critical piece of information when setting pressure fuzes on the depth charges.
Fourth, the sonar worked best at very slow speeds, providing the enemy of both advanced notification with the active pining and a slow-moving easy target.
Finally, while the searchlight could traverse about 360 degrees (minus the area around the noisy propellers), it could not move vertically. Once the beam passed over the target submarine, the searching vessel's sonar lost contact.
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Also, I believe there was a maximum depth setting to the later sonars. Apparently the British did not believe that German u-boats could dive below 160m (or similar) for most of the war. Details are hazy however - long time ago since I did any SH3 modding.