So theres been a tutorial written about just about everything on this forum, but no one has written anything about my favourite part of SH3, surface attacks on covnoys.
I previously thought that convoy attacks on the surface were near impossible, as you would always get detected way too soon by the escorts. Since I started playing GWX ive noticed that the sensors were a lot better at night time, and the surface attack was possible. You no longer had to fire a salvo from 4000m out and hope you hit something.
this is a lot more tricky than creeping in at periscope depth. theres a few things you need to keep in mind
* Weather - The windspeed plays a big part in your attack positioning, the higher the windspeed, the closer you can slip in undetected. Fog is also important, light or medium fog is perfect for an attack.
* Preperation - Make sure you have everything that you're going to need, ready. IE your ship recognition manual prepared, Your TDC updated, all your officers ready, and your torpedo men ready to reload. You're going to have to make some very quick decisions
* Approach angle - Theres two differant ways that i've found to be effective. From the front of the convoy, or from the rear. the former being easier.
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The trick is to get into a position where the lead escort can't see you. Once you get astern of the lead escort you need to move very quickly to the front of the convoy, so the escorts on the side don't spot you. Go ahead full and rush the front of the convoy.
Now you're going to pick what ships you're going to torpedo. Make sure you have your speed settings already in your TDC and the bow angle. Its tricky to get an accurate range, so try to get as close as you can. You'll be able to get within 800m in good conditions. aim for the farthest merchant first, and then the closer ones. OR aim for the lead merchant and turn hard into the the next ship in line behind him.
let em go! its time consuming but its a great feeling when your eels hit their mark
