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I'm at 200 feet right now (different computer), mid-morning on 26 February 1942, attempting to cross major Japanese shipping lanes just south of Kyushu. I dove for a plane on what has become their standard north-south patrol. I see them coming and going ... usually two or three times a day. I dive at first report (ignoring direction and map plot ... not realistic) and stay under for about 15 minutes. I do that twice (the same plane usually makes a return trip). Except in very unusual circumstances, I then have a few hours to cruise unmolested on the surface.
It takes approximately 16 minutes to recharge batteries for every 10% depleted. I do that at 1/3 ... then, when done, advance to 10 knots.
The only time I even consider duking it out with an aircraft is if it's nearly dark ... when there is far less chance I'll be subjected to follow-up attacks and a lot more time to put distance between myself and a downed plane. I always assume that the first thing a patrol plane does, if it spots me, is report my position. Then he may or may not attack. So I do my best to not be spotted.
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