[AndyW]

I'm playing in 1944 and the enemy a/c are real buggers. In average I am attacked two dozen times during a patrol, even though I'm driving submerged during daytimes.

My tactics are as following (and I'm still learning):

1.) I buy all the neat anti-radar warning devices (FuMB Metox, Naxos etc.) I can get. Don't be stingy, they are your life insurance.

2.) I submerge from two hours prior sunrise until two hours after sunset. That leaves you just with the RDF-equipped night patrol a/c

3.) I drive decks awash (7m). This is reducing my crash dive time dramatically from around 45 seconds until I pass the 25m-depth to only 25 seconds (I have a Type VIIC).

4.) During surface runs, I order the AAA-crew onto deck, ready to fire

5.) If I have an air contact, there is only one decision: Is the enemy a/c

a) closer than 2500 m (case a) or
b) more far away (case b)?

case a): I turn my boat into the general direction of the approaching a/c, flank speed and order the AA to fire. By this my silhouette is small, the aft of my boat with the Flak is showing to the attacking a/c and my turn ruins the attacker's strafing approach (well, maybe ). After the enemy a/c had passed my boat, I crash dive.

case b): crash dive.

I found it mandatory to dive. Even if you win the shoot-out 9 out of 10 times, the 10th a/c will get you and cause damage on you. Given the very high number of attacks, you end up with damage and low hull condition even before you have reached your assigned patrol grid.

Cheers,
AndyW