Raw idea about torpedoing zig zaging targets

[Valtonen]

I got this idea late last night so its just an hypothetical idea
how to get shoot to zig zaging enemy...

Assumptions:

1. I think computers zig zag is symmetrical in pattern?

2. Computer zig zags in line with its original course?

Result:

1. If we know targets course and its "relative speed" (speed target actually travels) like 6 knts

2. We can calculate its "true speed" (distance/time seen from u-boat number 1.) something like 4 knts


3. AND adjust our torp speed to that "true speed".




As you can see this is just very raw idea, and you are free to
prove it all wrong...

(Actually I just wanted to show how good I´m with paint
)

[Marhkimov]

In theory, you are partially right. A ziz-zagging target goes at a lower "true" speed, so accurate calculations could be made. However that is not at all practical in true situations. What I usually do is lower the target speed setting by a knot or two. Estimation usually works just as well.

And even if "true" speed were calculated, ziz-gagging targets present captains with more difficult AOB estimations. Making on-the-fly AOB estimations are not the most accurate way to fire (actually, I'm pretty good at it). AOB also changes periodically for turning targets.


But with all this being said, you definately can't miss if you are 500 meters or closer. Even if your speed and AOB estimations are off, your torpedo will most likely hit something...

[Twelvefield]

Zig-Zagging targets do present a problem, and I am no expert at dealing with it. My best tactic is to use magnetic torpedoes, and get in close, or if it's a single target, I'll move far away and parallel to the target's base course, and just wait for it to stop with the zigs and zags, and then try again.

[Trav_R]

I don't have vast experience with this, but the way I finally nailed my zig-zagger was to get directly astern at short range, wait till he finished a zig, then at the moment he began his next zag I aimed for his bow with a magnetic pistol set for under the keel (and with TDC set to zero speed so the torpedo simply went in the direction of my crosshairs). It's tough to evade that, because he's already heading in that direction, and if he doesn't change course he's definitely going to get hit, and if he does change his course he won't have enough time to get out of the way and he'll still get hit. That's my theory, and it's worked a total of 1 out of 1 times so far :P Of course, with magnetic pistols there's a better chance of a dud, but I haven't had much problem with duds yet and besides, an impact fuse on a zigzagging target is just as much of a gamble as a magnetic fuse that is almost sure to cross under his keel. Plus, there's no calculating involved, just get on his 6 and blast him John Wayne style