[joegrundman]

I know about the aspect ratio method that Hitman described. I worked with him on the U-jagd tools mod for SH3, which incorporates an aobfinder that solves the aspect ratio problem in seconds.

It was from using the aspect ratio method day-in day-out that helped me to realise what the visual orientation of the ship looked like, and from there be able to just "see" the aob. I hardly ever use any other method now.

Anyway, there are two areas of weakness with using the aspect ratio method that are not present in the visual method, and two areas of weakness in the visual that are not present in the aspect ration method.

The two methods complement each other, and the complete commander would seek to have mastered all these methods.

The weaknesses of the visual method is that firstly, it takes a while to get the hang of it, and secondly, accuracy is difficult in the aob range where the aspect ratio changes rapidly - ie between 20 and 50 degrees. It's also not very easy at long ranges where all you have is a sillhouette.

The weaknesses of the aspect ratio method is that it cannot accurately differentiate between aobs at the extremes (0 - 15, and 60-90) but it is very good in the middle range, and secondly, in conditions of rough weather, if it becomes very difficult to get accurate measurements (I'm sure you don't use pause or stabliise view) then the visual system is quite a lot more accurate.

Finally, while the U-boats used aspect ratio a lot, US skippers were more inclined to practice using Captain's eye, and often used the reverse of the aspect ratio in order to calcualte true length of target based on visual AOB and apparent length.