Question: How do you nail a zig zagger ?

Blacklight · 08-19-10, 01:57 PM

Okay. I've been playing SHIII for years now and one technique has always eluded me. What's the proper technique for nailing one of those pesky zig-zagging targets. I've only succeeded in pegging them when they're going in straight lines.

frau kaleun · 08-19-10, 02:34 PM

I think I've only had any luck doing this by getting very close (submerged) and using a magnetic fuse on an eel set to run at maximum speed. And then I try to be coming in perpendicular to the ship's general course, i.e. the more or less straight line across which she is zigging and zagging. And then I try to fire when she's starting to make a 'zig' towards me rather than in the other direction.

I don't know if that's the "proper" way to do it, but I seem to remember it working. Could've just been luck.

What I prefer to do if I can is just submerge, lower my scope, and continue to run parallel to her general course, staying as far ahead of her as I can while keeping within easy range of setting up a good shot once she stops zigzagging. Which they usually seem to do eventually.

Of course if the ship is fast enough that I can't stay with her submerged, I'll work my way out of good visual range and then resurface and try to run parallel to her general course and overtake her again without getting close enough to be spotted, and then move in for the kill again (submerged if necessary).

smilinicon · 08-19-10, 05:16 PM

I wait until they stop zigging. Fight the fight on your terms, not theirs.

frau kaleun · 08-19-10, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smilinicon

I wait until they stop zigging. Fight the fight on your terms, not theirs.

Yeah, definitely my preference. And they do seem to stop zigzagging and go back on a straight course if you stay submerged long enough.

It just depends on whether or not I think I'll get the chance to wait that long, given the location and the other ship's speed. If it looks like I'd have to get out of visual range and get ahead of her again on the surface, and this means getting myself deep into the range of Allied air cover or closer to a heavily patrolled area than I'd like... eh, I'd just as soon take my chances with a magnetic fuse and a fast eel at really close range.

Jimbuna · 08-20-10, 05:35 AM

You could try to establish they're mean course and make a judgement/prediction on the change points occuring ie zigging and zagging.

One tip.....if at all possible, set for magnetic because of the acute AOB involved if you are slightly out on your guesstimate.

bookworm_020 · 08-20-10, 06:02 AM

Also aiming towards the stern helps, if they make a sudden change you still have a better chance of a hit.

U777 · 08-20-10, 05:56 PM

This patrol was interesting, found two freighter sailing together and sunk one with my 2nd to last torpedo. Since the last one had to count I tried to do a point blank shot but the ship was armed and I had to dive. Due to storm currents I could only max out at 7 knots while the freighter was doing 8. No good. Surfaced and sailed away at an angle till we were side by side, hung a 90 degree turn and almost hit her with the last torpedo. Had to return to Lorient after that.

08-19-10, 01:57 PM	#1
Blacklight Ocean Warrior Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Connecticut Posts: 2,507 Downloads: 145 Uploads: 0	Question: How do you nail a zig zagger ? Okay. I've been playing SHIII for years now and one technique has always eluded me. What's the proper technique for nailing one of those pesky zig-zagging targets. I've only succeeded in pegging them when they're going in straight lines. __________________ Be my friend or be a mushroom cloud. "I am coming at you. You will explode in a couple of minutes !"

08-20-10, 05:35 AM	#5
Jimbuna Chief of the Boat Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 250 metres below the surface Posts: 190,500 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 13	You could try to establish they're mean course and make a judgement/prediction on the change points occuring ie zigging and zagging. One tip.....if at all possible, set for magnetic because of the acute AOB involved if you are slightly out on your guesstimate. __________________ Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something. Oh my God, not again!!

08-20-10, 06:02 AM	#6
bookworm_020 Navy Seal Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Sinking ships off the Australian coast Posts: 5,966 Downloads: 1 Uploads: 0	Also aiming towards the stern helps, if they make a sudden change you still have a better chance of a hit. __________________ "There is always one person in any organization who knows whats going on, That person must be fired"

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08-19-10, 02:34 PM	#2
frau kaleun Rear Admiral Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Skyri--oh who are we kidding, I'm probably at Lowe's. Again. Posts: 12,706 Downloads: 168 Uploads: 0	I think I've only had any luck doing this by getting very close (submerged) and using a magnetic fuse on an eel set to run at maximum speed. And then I try to be coming in perpendicular to the ship's general course, i.e. the more or less straight line across which she is zigging and zagging. And then I try to fire when she's starting to make a 'zig' towards me rather than in the other direction. I don't know if that's the "proper" way to do it, but I seem to remember it working. Could've just been luck. What I prefer to do if I can is just submerge, lower my scope, and continue to run parallel to her general course, staying as far ahead of her as I can while keeping within easy range of setting up a good shot once she stops zigzagging. Which they usually seem to do eventually. Of course if the ship is fast enough that I can't stay with her submerged, I'll work my way out of good visual range and then resurface and try to run parallel to her general course and overtake her again without getting close enough to be spotted, and then move in for the kill again (submerged if necessary).

08-19-10, 05:16 PM	#3
smilinicon Bosun Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 66 Downloads: 69 Uploads: 0	I wait until they stop zigging. Fight the fight on your terms, not theirs.

08-20-10, 05:56 PM	#7
U777 Medic Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Chicago Posts: 159 Downloads: 11 Uploads: 0	This patrol was interesting, found two freighter sailing together and sunk one with my 2nd to last torpedo. Since the last one had to count I tried to do a point blank shot but the ship was armed and I had to dive. Due to storm currents I could only max out at 7 knots while the freighter was doing 8. No good. Surfaced and sailed away at an angle till we were side by side, hung a 90 degree turn and almost hit her with the last torpedo. Had to return to Lorient after that.