Problems and disadvantages with electric torpedoes (the early ones)

Paul Riley · 05-14-09, 10:20 AM

Earlier today I had my first engagement of my current patrol.It was a lone merchant heading east from US towards Britain.I was in the AL sector,about midway,and it was very dark.As electric torpedoes were the first in the tubes I had no option but to use them.I decided a close range submerged shot of about 500m would be my attack,and so I proceeded on my intercept run,as I was already ahead of him.One hour later he appears as scheduled and I prepared my torps.Speed was set to 7,range 5-600m,depth 3,impact pistol.I waited until he was at a bearing of just over 10deg in the PS and let fire.I don't really like to do this,but I watched its progress on the torpedo plan screen and lowered my scope.I watched in horror as the torpedo passed behind him,yet only slightly.
I was very disappointed with the torpedo's performance,and this was the first time I have really used these tortoise sticks,apparently for good reason.I much prefer the speed of the steam torps.
I immediately swung the boat round and headed north until on the edge of visibility,ready for another attack,only this time with the deck gun

, i'll pop up in front of him and give him a warm welcome.
Can someone work out what went wrong with this shot?.My initial judgement was the poor speed,and maybe I waited too late to fire?,maybe it should have been released at about 20deg?Do we need to fire sooner to compensate for the slow speed?

If someone can provide me some info on optimal firing angles on when to release torps at certain ranges,especially the tortoise sticks,that would be great.

(I cant wait until the ETorps become faster like the steam ones)

Cheers guys

05-14-09, 10:20 AM	#1
Paul Riley Ocean Warrior Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Sheffield, England Posts: 2,679 Downloads: 165 Uploads: 0	Problems and disadvantages with electric torpedoes (the early ones) Earlier today I had my first engagement of my current patrol.It was a lone merchant heading east from US towards Britain.I was in the AL sector,about midway,and it was very dark.As electric torpedoes were the first in the tubes I had no option but to use them.I decided a close range submerged shot of about 500m would be my attack,and so I proceeded on my intercept run,as I was already ahead of him.One hour later he appears as scheduled and I prepared my torps.Speed was set to 7,range 5-600m,depth 3,impact pistol.I waited until he was at a bearing of just over 10deg in the PS and let fire.I don't really like to do this,but I watched its progress on the torpedo plan screen and lowered my scope.I watched in horror as the torpedo passed behind him,yet only slightly. I was very disappointed with the torpedo's performance,and this was the first time I have really used these tortoise sticks,apparently for good reason.I much prefer the speed of the steam torps. I immediately swung the boat round and headed north until on the edge of visibility,ready for another attack,only this time with the deck gun , i'll pop up in front of him and give him a warm welcome. Can someone work out what went wrong with this shot?.My initial judgement was the poor speed,and maybe I waited too late to fire?,maybe it should have been released at about 20deg?Do we need to fire sooner to compensate for the slow speed? If someone can provide me some info on optimal firing angles on when to release torps at certain ranges,especially the tortoise sticks,that would be great. (I cant wait until the ETorps become faster like the steam ones) Cheers guys __________________ Best Patrol: 10 merchants + HMS Nelson for 68.056 Tonnes Last edited by Paul Riley; 05-14-09 at 01:43 PM.