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Peto · 12-14-07, 12:20 AM

An important point to remember is that 10--12 knots was a pretty typical "long haul" speed for the fleet boats. They could be running 80-90 but only running 2 engines. If the battery wasn't too low and they were ok with a slow charge they wouldn't even fire up #3, they'd just kick in the mule which was a smaller diesel they had for tasks other than propulsion. Kicking in the other mains did increase speed but the gain became smaller with the 4th engine only providong a couple more knots (not sure of exact numbers here).

It seems to me that most accounts I read talk about making Japan from Pearl in about 10 days. I think that's aproximately 12 knots (again not positive--sorry). The longest non-stop run of a Gato was made by the Redfin from Panama to Australia without refueling. If I recall correctly, they finally fueled at Potshot (Darwin) and were nearly dry.

I guess what I'm saying is that in reality, 50% power for a fleet sub doesn't really translate as 21/2. I think running all 4 diesels at best economical means produced a speed of about 18 knots. More meant they were pushing the engines hard.

Hope this helps somehow... :hmm:

12-14-07, 12:20 AM	#2
Peto Ace of the Deep Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: The details of my life are quite inconsequential Posts: 1,049 Downloads: 4 Uploads: 0	An important point to remember is that 10--12 knots was a pretty typical "long haul" speed for the fleet boats. They could be running 80-90 but only running 2 engines. If the battery wasn't too low and they were ok with a slow charge they wouldn't even fire up #3, they'd just kick in the mule which was a smaller diesel they had for tasks other than propulsion. Kicking in the other mains did increase speed but the gain became smaller with the 4th engine only providong a couple more knots (not sure of exact numbers here). It seems to me that most accounts I read talk about making Japan from Pearl in about 10 days. I think that's aproximately 12 knots (again not positive--sorry). The longest non-stop run of a Gato was made by the Redfin from Panama to Australia without refueling. If I recall correctly, they finally fueled at Potshot (Darwin) and were nearly dry. I guess what I'm saying is that in reality, 50% power for a fleet sub doesn't really translate as 21/2. I think running all 4 diesels at best economical means produced a speed of about 18 knots. More meant they were pushing the engines hard. Hope this helps somehow... :hmm: __________________ If your target has a 30 degree AOB, the range from his base course line equals the current range divided by 2.