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Phoenix3000 · 10-31-07, 05:25 AM

Just my $0.02, but thought I would share them...

RacerBoy, the mod is great - I certainly like the new fires, hydrophone sounds etc. etc., but I have a suggestion for the distress flares. Here's the scenario I experienced last night:

I encountered a convoy, heading W-S-W south of Ireland, late evening, October 1940. There were 4 destroyers and about 15 ships.

I took up position approximately 90 degrees off their starboard at a range of 1km. I was moving at 2kts, they were plodding along at 6kts. Scanning the horizon, I chose to target 2 whale factory ships and an Empire freighter. (I also use full manual targeting).

The attack was succesful, 2 torps hit the first factory ship, 1 hit the second, last forward torp hit the Empire freighter. At this point no distress flares fired from any ship.

I went to flank speed, did a 180 degree turn and fired the aft torpedo at the listing Empire freighter before diving to 120m, heading east with silent running.

I switched to the external camera and saw the Empire freighter receive a second direct hit, from the aft torp - and she went up in a ball of flames. I do like those secondary explosions!

Just as she was going under totally engulfed in flames about 6 or 7 large distress flares were fired within a split second of one another along the length of the ship, lighting the whole sea bright red. Looked a bit odd I must say.

I then panned around and saw the first factory ship going under bow first. Just as her stern was about to go under she also launched a flurry of distress flares.

The 3rd ship listed heavily to starboard before finally plunging under stern first. No flares appeared, and given the circumstances (and elapsed time) that seemed more realistic.

To sum up, I think the flares should be made smaller in size. Having seen distress flares fired for real (testing only), they don't appear as large red glowing balls of light from what I saw. Also, given their height and size, they don't reflect much on the surface - especially daytime like this scenario.

I've read that distress flares were launched by ships to attract the attention of the escorts when a sub was sighted, or an attack was under way. Is it possible they can be timed to fire within a minute or so of hitting a ship? - And make it random, so some ships launch, others don't?

Anyway, as I say just my $0.02's worth.........

Cheers! - Looking forward to the next release!
Px3000

PS - Also like to add - leave out the blood. As explained above, the chances of actually seeing any blood in the water in such circumstances is remote at best. Maybe it's possible to 'blood-stain' the bodies in the water by using a very dark red smear (painted) on their clothing to represent wounding? Other than that I wouldn't have it flowing around them as shown above. Not realistic.
Perhaps ''paint' some of the crew like they are covered in oil, black and dark grey - ideal with tankers being sunk.....

10-31-07, 05:25 AM	#131
Phoenix3000 Weps Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: London, England (Usually in a pub...) Posts: 358 Downloads: 49 Uploads: 0	Just my $0.02, but thought I would share them... RacerBoy, the mod is great - I certainly like the new fires, hydrophone sounds etc. etc., but I have a suggestion for the distress flares. Here's the scenario I experienced last night: I encountered a convoy, heading W-S-W south of Ireland, late evening, October 1940. There were 4 destroyers and about 15 ships. I took up position approximately 90 degrees off their starboard at a range of 1km. I was moving at 2kts, they were plodding along at 6kts. Scanning the horizon, I chose to target 2 whale factory ships and an Empire freighter. (I also use full manual targeting). The attack was succesful, 2 torps hit the first factory ship, 1 hit the second, last forward torp hit the Empire freighter. At this point no distress flares fired from any ship. I went to flank speed, did a 180 degree turn and fired the aft torpedo at the listing Empire freighter before diving to 120m, heading east with silent running. I switched to the external camera and saw the Empire freighter receive a second direct hit, from the aft torp - and she went up in a ball of flames. I do like those secondary explosions! Just as she was going under totally engulfed in flames about 6 or 7 large distress flares were fired within a split second of one another along the length of the ship, lighting the whole sea bright red. Looked a bit odd I must say. I then panned around and saw the first factory ship going under bow first. Just as her stern was about to go under she also launched a flurry of distress flares. The 3rd ship listed heavily to starboard before finally plunging under stern first. No flares appeared, and given the circumstances (and elapsed time) that seemed more realistic. To sum up, I think the flares should be made smaller in size. Having seen distress flares fired for real (testing only), they don't appear as large red glowing balls of light from what I saw. Also, given their height and size, they don't reflect much on the surface - especially daytime like this scenario. I've read that distress flares were launched by ships to attract the attention of the escorts when a sub was sighted, or an attack was under way. Is it possible they can be timed to fire within a minute or so of hitting a ship? - And make it random, so some ships launch, others don't? Anyway, as I say just my $0.02's worth......... Cheers! - Looking forward to the next release! Px3000 PS - Also like to add - leave out the blood. As explained above, the chances of actually seeing any blood in the water in such circumstances is remote at best. Maybe it's possible to 'blood-stain' the bodies in the water by using a very dark red smear (painted) on their clothing to represent wounding? Other than that I wouldn't have it flowing around them as shown above. Not realistic. Perhaps ''paint' some of the crew like they are covered in oil, black and dark grey - ideal with tankers being sunk..... Last edited by Phoenix3000; 10-31-07 at 10:12 AM.