Quote:
Originally Posted by DrMilton
Quote:
Originally Posted by von Zelda
Target speed is the most important item in manual targeting. That said, Plot target's initial position and note the time.
Plot subsequent target positions and plot target course.
Assuming you are on an intercept course, determine the AOB at your intercept point. With your periscope/uzo (bearing) at zero, enter this AOB into the target data computer. Also remember that the AOB most accurately reflect "starboard" or "port" which tells the TDC if the target is travelling left or right across your bow. As long as the target remains on this course, you can rotate the periscope/uzo and the TDC will always have the correct AOB.
Now, determine target speed. Note the most recent position of your target and the time. Measure from your first target position to your latest position. Determine the time interval between the two plots and use this formula: kmeters x 32.5 divided by minutes = estimated knots.
Enter this estimated speed directly into the TDC. If you make several measurements from the targets initial position as you move towards the intercept point, you'll have a good estimate of target speed before you're ready to launch.
AOB will not change as long as target course remains the same, just update target speed if it changes. In this method, you do not even need to concider range, it is not a factor. Accurate range will only affect the stop watch for the estimated impact time of torpedo.
I've have hit targets in excess of 6 kmeters with this method. Longer shots like these require a slow torpedo speed to cover the greater distance. Set the slow speed on the torpedo and the TDC will calculate the accurate offset angle for torpedo launch.
I hope this is helpful.
|
 Excellent description ! Range is indeed not needed and you can even hit targets that you don't see, due to fog or because it is in your interest to stay submerged.
|
That method works, keep in mind that your course can't change either. So you either don't change course or set up the shot based on a future position. I'll usually set up the shot while I'm taking readings on his speed and course.
Yes I've used this method to hit ships lining up the periscope to read the hydrophones reading. I was close to the ship 400-600m and it was a sormy night no visability, I had gotten good fixes on him earlier and used this to line up a good position shot. I assumed the hydrophone's reading would be aft of the actual ship location and offset my scope a little foward of the hydrophone's reading. 2 torps and one hit. She sunk. The missed torp went in front and the second went amidships. That made me think that the hydrophone reading is actually from amidships, not where the screws are.