Like others, I seem to recall much anecdotal evidence, but I can't remember where. This means that it may actually be talk I heard from others, which means it may not be true at all. That disclaimer aside, here's what I think I remember:
The disturbance lasts long enough for the submarine to have a chance of escaping from one escort, partly because the sub is behind the escort when the depth charges go off and the escort can't hear the sub anyway.
When being chased by a hunter/killer group a single escort is the 'hunter' and follows the sub guiding the others in but itself never attacking. The disturbance does cause the 'hunter' to lose contact, but almost always regains it, mainly because the sub can't go far even at 8 knots. Of course this is complicated by the fact that even if the sub escapes the 'hunter' they immediately go back into search mode and quickly find it again.
So how long is the right amount? Of course I have no clue. I just wanted to present some of the 'evidence' I'm pretty sure I've 'heard'.
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