[letterboy1]

Sniper, though there are threads devoted to the topic of tactical fuel consumption, here are some basic rules:

1) Never travel at more than 1/3 ahead when transiting to your patrol area. Save as much fuel as you can this way so you have it for flanking convoys when the need arises.

2) Travel on the surface as much as possible. Believe it or not, this helps to conserve fuel. The more you use your battery, the more your fuel consumption increases while surfaced to recharge your it. Personally, I travel at 1 knot when transitting under water . . . this is only to avoid detection during daylight after my radar guy reports a very fast moving contact (plane). Save your battery power for when it's needed tactically like maneuvering for a torpedo shot, eluding destroyers, or sneaking into bays/ports.

3) When diesel is at the half way mark, it probably means you should head for a refit (or home).

4) a) Here is a lesser mentioned rule about fuel . . . avoid damage!!! Don't take on planes when you don't have to. But if you really want to, do it when it's a lone patrol and not more than one. Use high speed maneuvering while shooting down (or letting your highly skilled gunner do it) the plane. When you purchase a new crew member, get a highly skilled gunner if you don't already have one. Then be sure to promote him and give him medals.

b) Avoid gun fights on the surface (beware of armed merchants).

Why am I going into planes and gun fights? Because when you get damaged it might be your fuel tanks and you may not even know it even after your damage team reports all things fixed. Next thing you know your half way between Japan and Midway and your fuel is running out FAST! Few things suck more than investing alot of time in getting those merchants sunk only to be stuck in the middle of nowhere waiting for that imaginary tug boat.