Usually they will take a direct path toward you until about 1500 - 2000 meters and then start zig zagging - the next direct path is when they are launching depth charges over you. They are simply trying to close the range before you can get too deep by heading straight for you at flank speed. If you are using manual TDC and a higher level of realism you can see just how difficult it would be to make an accurate shot at a rapidly closing destroyer. admittedly with weapons officer assistance turned on your U-boat is a one hit one kill wonder most of the time regardless of how stacked against you the tactical situation may be. Next time you target a closing destroyer that is pinging you just consider that it takes a few minutes to set up a reliable firing solution in reality.
The escorts will get harder as the war goes on.
as radar is introduced they will pick you up miles from the convoy and head for you at flank speed - this all but renders the surfaced night attack and surfaced approaches impossible.
If you are on the surface in fog or heavy rain without a radar warning receiver - be warned... the destroyer will come out of the fog at 25 knots 300 meters off your bow and drive his ship right through yours without even slowing down. You will be flooding before the watch crew ever knew what happened.
i think that radar range is simulated in the guns of destroyers and battleships after like 1943 or 44 so if they catch you on radar then - they will open fire on you at very long range and their shots will be devastatingly accurate. the first two or three MAY miss but if you dont crash dive immediately your going to be shelled into oblivion.
The allies didnt really master the hunt and kill tactic for dealing with U-boats until around 43 so dont expect heroic resistance from the Destroyers until then.
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