when doing initial positioning infront of the convoy what I do
is I draw a line projecting from just aft of the convoy to well
outside the engagement area. the line runs directly through
the convoy centre and along the convoys track
I generally measure distance from centrline to outside row of ships
I will then either draw a perpendicular line off of the centreline
to mark where the nearest edge of the convoy will pass.
I do not mark on the escorts they will outride somewhere near 700
yds outside the line marking the outer edge of convoy.
depending on where in the convoy the target is located I position to
be within 1500 to 2000 yds of where that ship will pass in front of me
in relation to the centre line. observations will indicate roughly what sort of
escorts are going to be in the vicinity at firing point
you should actually be a about 1000 yds from the escort as he passes
(assuming your target in 2nd or 3rd row) and about 1500 to 2000
yds from the target ship)
Where possible complete all maneuvers prior to convoy moving to
within four thousand metres of the engagement zone.
so as you can lie in wait at silent running all stop to be safe.
it is also a good idea assuming the situation allows it to
position your ship in such a way that you are already
pointed towards your evasion course out of the area
prior to firing.
for me I usually attack from 2 km off the track -135 degrees off the
convoy course and will shoot at longer ranges than recommended by
the book, that extra 500 yds can make a difference in your egress
of the area. optionally the perpendicular shot has the advantage
that after shooting you are already passing behind the convoy
and if your course is roughly the reverse course of the convoy
you gain distance from the surface group rapidly. the hit will
detach the escorts from the convoy but you should be 2 or 3 minutes
down the evasion road by the time that happens.
it isnt perfect nor is it well described but it should give you the
idea project the convoy course measure the convoy layout the
attack of choice during the planning phase maneuver to postion
Wait, wait some more fire torps begin evasion silently and go.
and then is when the hits should happen.
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