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Graf Paper · 10-27-08, 01:23 AM

Unfortunately, SH3 does not model thermal layers or ASDIC being disrupted by depth charges detonating.

Albrecht von Hesse did create a decent mod that does mimic the behavior of depth charges interfering with ASDIC, but I do not know if he ever worked all the bugs out that caused escorts to zero in and attack their own depth charge noises.

You will be "in their baffles" when you hear the splashes of the depth charges but only if you know by the sound that the ship is directly above you. ASDIC is completely deaf within a 40 degree arc of the ship's stern because of their propellers. The downside to that is, when you're facing more than one ASW vessel, the other ship will assume a position to keep you within the search radius of their ASDIC. Hunter-killer groups like to have one ship hang back as a "spotter" to zero the other ships in on your position. Then they swap to a new spotter after each run, depending on who is in the best position to listen for you.

Don't assume because the enemy is pinging you with active sonar that you've been spotted. Sometimes they use active as a "flashlight" to search for you. You'll know when active sonar has a lock because the enemy is making a beeline right for you at full speed for a depth charge run while they ping away at your hull. Active sonar cannot find you if you're deep enough to be under it. Imagine it as a cone or wide flashlight beam that shines forward and down a bit, sweeping back and forth. The closer you are to the ship that's pinging, the less depth you need for the sonar "beam" to pass over you. The downside is that the closer you are to the ship, the better they can hear you on their hydrophones so you'd better be as quiet as you can manage.

If you can't get under enough to avoid the active sonar, always keep your boat's bow or stern pointed right at them to give as small a surface to reflect the sonar back to them. You face yourself broadside at an active sonar and you're just a well off to surface and pop the hatch with a white flag in hand.

Convoy escorts do give up after a short time because their job is to escort the convoy and protect it, hence their naval designation of DE instead of DD. It does not prevent them from radioing for help and calling a hunter-killer group onto the scene, though. HKs do not give up until you've been destroyed or they lose contact with your u-boat long enough that they assume you have been killed.

Stick to the plan. Use silence, depth, and cunning to your advantage. Make unpredictable changes in course and depth but always ending each maneuver to place yourself as far to the edge of their search radius as you can until you finally slip through their net.

It can be a great deal of fun, filled with plenty of tense moments, but facing an HK group after 1941 will likely mean the end of your career unless you're extremely smart and have ice in your veins.

10-27-08, 01:23 AM	#8
Graf Paper Ace of the Deep Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pacific Northwest United States Posts: 1,146 Downloads: 41 Uploads: 2	Unfortunately, SH3 does not model thermal layers or ASDIC being disrupted by depth charges detonating. Albrecht von Hesse did create a decent mod that does mimic the behavior of depth charges interfering with ASDIC, but I do not know if he ever worked all the bugs out that caused escorts to zero in and attack their own depth charge noises. You will be "in their baffles" when you hear the splashes of the depth charges but only if you know by the sound that the ship is directly above you. ASDIC is completely deaf within a 40 degree arc of the ship's stern because of their propellers. The downside to that is, when you're facing more than one ASW vessel, the other ship will assume a position to keep you within the search radius of their ASDIC. Hunter-killer groups like to have one ship hang back as a "spotter" to zero the other ships in on your position. Then they swap to a new spotter after each run, depending on who is in the best position to listen for you. Don't assume because the enemy is pinging you with active sonar that you've been spotted. Sometimes they use active as a "flashlight" to search for you. You'll know when active sonar has a lock because the enemy is making a beeline right for you at full speed for a depth charge run while they ping away at your hull. Active sonar cannot find you if you're deep enough to be under it. Imagine it as a cone or wide flashlight beam that shines forward and down a bit, sweeping back and forth. The closer you are to the ship that's pinging, the less depth you need for the sonar "beam" to pass over you. The downside is that the closer you are to the ship, the better they can hear you on their hydrophones so you'd better be as quiet as you can manage. If you can't get under enough to avoid the active sonar, always keep your boat's bow or stern pointed right at them to give as small a surface to reflect the sonar back to them. You face yourself broadside at an active sonar and you're just a well off to surface and pop the hatch with a white flag in hand. Convoy escorts do give up after a short time because their job is to escort the convoy and protect it, hence their naval designation of DE instead of DD. It does not prevent them from radioing for help and calling a hunter-killer group onto the scene, though. HKs do not give up until you've been destroyed or they lose contact with your u-boat long enough that they assume you have been killed. Stick to the plan. Use silence, depth, and cunning to your advantage. Make unpredictable changes in course and depth but always ending each maneuver to place yourself as far to the edge of their search radius as you can until you finally slip through their net. It can be a great deal of fun, filled with plenty of tense moments, but facing an HK group after 1941 will likely mean the end of your career unless you're extremely smart and have ice in your veins. __________________ Still sailing the high seas, hunting convoys with those who join me.