There does seem to be a bug of sorts. Returning from my first foray across-the-pond, I was watching my fuel carefully, knowing it would be close. My navigator's prediction on maximum range at the given speed versus the distance-to-end indicated I would make it with some fuel to spare. Imagine my surprise when I ran out of fuel short of the milch cow as confirmed by the pull-out fuel gauge. Figuring I could crawl the remaining distance on batteries, I submerged and pressed on. However, my batteries ran out a few kms short, but when I surfaced, the diesels came online and I made it the rest of the way.
Lesson learned: the navigator's calculation of max distance is an estimate, not 100% reliable. I don't recall the sea state at the time, but the calculation may be based on "best case" with calm conditions, therefore subject to the effects of less than optimum weather. In this case, the bug worked in my favor, but I'd rather not rely on it for planned operations. It might not be a bad idea to plan your arrival with a 10%-20% reserve.
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Spectre
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