SUBSIM Radio Room Forums - View Single Post

Bubblehead1980 · 10-20-20, 04:10 PM

Okay, hope this helps.

Three most important pieces of data are:

Angle on the Bow

Speed

Range to target

First-Ascertain the speed. Easiest and most reliable way(until you become seasoned enough to estimate speed accurately based on visual observation, accounting for errors with spread of torpedoes as in real life) is to use the pencil on nav map to make an X on the targets icon, start the stop watch. When three minutes has elapsed, make an X on current position. Now, measure the distance traveled by drawing a line from first X to second X. 900 yards, means speed is 9 knots. 500 yards, speed is 5 knots. Easy enough?

I typically play without contacts so eyeball the speed and verify based on sound and radar data as well as my own plotting using the three minute method. More prone to errors without the continuous map contact updates, but works well with enough experience.

Second- Estimate Angle on Bow (AOB). Again, once play enough get good at estimating the angles accurately enough for a proper firing solution but if in doubt, use the protractor on the nav map to measure the angle from target's bow to the bow or stern of the submarine(depending on if firing bow or stern shot)

In a traditional approach and attack on a target. I first try to gauge the AOB. If you can't do this visually and have map icons enabled, can go to map, use the protractor to gain the AOB by measuring the angle of the targets bow to the submarine(bow if using bow tubes, stern if using stern tubes). Enter this into the AOB dial.

Third-Range. To get a solution fed into the TDC(Torpedo Data Computer) quickly, go ahead and hit send to TDC button for the speed and AOB. Use to dial to turn an estimated range and send to TDC. Then hit the Position Keeper(PK) button on the TDC. Further observations can use stadimeter, radar etc to enter better range estimates. You are now tracking the target.

Fourth(if have time) recheck your fire control data. If have time, check their speed, check for any last minute changes. Make sure tube outer doors are open. Not being open delays firing and can cause misses.

Fifth- Methods of aim. Okay, you have a good solution, time to fire. Outer doors are open? How to aim? I use to methods used by actual US skippers. One is the traditional final bearing sent via periscope or TBT to TDC and fired. Wait 6-10 seconds but typically 10 on most mid to large sized targets. This creates a spread. The PK on TDC is continuously updating the fire control info. Alternately, you can use the spread dial on the TDC. Fire on aimed at middle of target, use dial to adjust 1 degree starboard, one degree aft etc.

Second method, which Richard O Kane typically used is to aim torpedoes as individual shots, meaning a new bearing sent to TDC for each shot, even if on the same target. Plan to fire three torpedoes on a mid sized merchant? Send final bearing to TDC, fire one at middle of target. Move scope crosshairs to forward mast of target, send bearing and fire two, place crosshairs on aft mast , fire three.

Hope this helps. Not as difficult as it seems at first. Of course all kinds of variables but these basics will help.

10-20-20, 04:10 PM	#5
Bubblehead1980 Navy Seal Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Florida USA Posts: 6,922 Downloads: 550 Uploads: 42	Okay, hope this helps. Three most important pieces of data are: Angle on the Bow Speed Range to target First-Ascertain the speed. Easiest and most reliable way(until you become seasoned enough to estimate speed accurately based on visual observation, accounting for errors with spread of torpedoes as in real life) is to use the pencil on nav map to make an X on the targets icon, start the stop watch. When three minutes has elapsed, make an X on current position. Now, measure the distance traveled by drawing a line from first X to second X. 900 yards, means speed is 9 knots. 500 yards, speed is 5 knots. Easy enough? I typically play without contacts so eyeball the speed and verify based on sound and radar data as well as my own plotting using the three minute method. More prone to errors without the continuous map contact updates, but works well with enough experience. Second- Estimate Angle on Bow (AOB). Again, once play enough get good at estimating the angles accurately enough for a proper firing solution but if in doubt, use the protractor on the nav map to measure the angle from target's bow to the bow or stern of the submarine(depending on if firing bow or stern shot) In a traditional approach and attack on a target. I first try to gauge the AOB. If you can't do this visually and have map icons enabled, can go to map, use the protractor to gain the AOB by measuring the angle of the targets bow to the submarine(bow if using bow tubes, stern if using stern tubes). Enter this into the AOB dial. Third-Range. To get a solution fed into the TDC(Torpedo Data Computer) quickly, go ahead and hit send to TDC button for the speed and AOB. Use to dial to turn an estimated range and send to TDC. Then hit the Position Keeper(PK) button on the TDC. Further observations can use stadimeter, radar etc to enter better range estimates. You are now tracking the target. Fourth(if have time) recheck your fire control data. If have time, check their speed, check for any last minute changes. Make sure tube outer doors are open. Not being open delays firing and can cause misses. Fifth- Methods of aim. Okay, you have a good solution, time to fire. Outer doors are open? How to aim? I use to methods used by actual US skippers. One is the traditional final bearing sent via periscope or TBT to TDC and fired. Wait 6-10 seconds but typically 10 on most mid to large sized targets. This creates a spread. The PK on TDC is continuously updating the fire control info. Alternately, you can use the spread dial on the TDC. Fire on aimed at middle of target, use dial to adjust 1 degree starboard, one degree aft etc. Second method, which Richard O Kane typically used is to aim torpedoes as individual shots, meaning a new bearing sent to TDC for each shot, even if on the same target. Plan to fire three torpedoes on a mid sized merchant? Send final bearing to TDC, fire one at middle of target. Move scope crosshairs to forward mast of target, send bearing and fire two, place crosshairs on aft mast , fire three. Hope this helps. Not as difficult as it seems at first. Of course all kinds of variables but these basics will help.