Quote:
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Originally Posted by Mush Martin
a well aimed spread is a fine way to defeat a zig zagging target.
the target still follows a base course
and varies its helm a set number of degrees
off of the base course on either side with
a regular cadence to switch in game.
suppose the targets true speed is roughly twelve knots
and hes zigzagging twenty two and half degrees either
side of his base course.
if he was making twelve in a striaght line course
now he is making 8 or 9 kts along the base course
with slightly but constantly varying range and aob.
mark the course line
time the amount of time between two crossings.
aim for the next cross point figure out your runtime
set a spread to reduce the errors
fire at the appropriate moment.
the theory works but as with all things theres
a lot to figure on and a lot to go wrong.
but thats more or less how its done.
M
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Thats sound advice when it comes to a zig-zag target. I personally think its much easier to engaging a zig-zagging target with a uboat because they have a true salvo switch and you can set a spread angel, but with a uboat you also may have homing torpedos which are very effective against merchants. But were talking fleet boats, and the above tactic is very sound.
And when engaging a convoy, you can get more then one target. Fire at the most distant target first and continuing firing at them in the order of there distance (I.E. 3000yrds, 2500,2000) with a few seconds in between. The idea being that all the torpedoes impact at around the same time, limiting there ability to zig-zag. I've even had them so close that the first fish hits on target 2 before the second or third torpedoes hit on the initial target.