Can't hit for toffee with Magnetic pistols

[nemchenk]

It seems whenever I fire a Magnetic-influence torp I might as well, in the words of Pvt. Frost, be "using harsh language" for all the good it does.

Now, admittedly, MI pistols were unreliable, and I tend not to use them for that reason. But every once in a while, when running low on eels, I figure I should give them a try and... well... nothing happens

So, any tips on getting MI eels to actually blow up under the target? Here's what I am already doing:

1) Try not to use them in high seas
2) Set the depth to 1-2m under the target's keel as listed in the book
3) Fire at a more oblique angle than 90, perhaps 60-45 degrees
4) Don't use on anything under 3000 tons as per FdU instructions

I was thinking the following might also help:
5) Fire at an angle close to 0, i.e. right along the target's course, for maximum time under the target
6) Set the eels to Slow for the same reason -- I always get in close and fire Fast, to give my target less time to react, but of course that means my eels fly by and (I think) explode on the other side of the target, sometimes 10 seconds / 200m (?) after my WO thinks they should

Any other tips?

[nemo7]

Originally Posted by nemchenk

It seems whenever I fire a Magnetic-influence torp I might as well, in the words of Pvt. Frost, be "using harsh language" for all the good it does.

Now, admittedly, MI pistols were unreliable, and I tend not to use them for that reason. But every once in a while, when running low on eels, I figure I should give them a try and... well... nothing happens

So, any tips on getting MI eels to actually blow up under the target? Here's what I am already doing:

1) Try not to use them in high seas
2) Set the depth to 1-2m under the target's keel as listed in the book
3) Fire at a more oblique angle than 90, perhaps 60-45 degrees
4) Don't use on anything under 3000 tons as per FdU instructions

I was thinking the following might also help:
5) Fire at an angle close to 0, i.e. right along the target's course, for maximum time under the target
6) Set the eels to Slow for the same reason -- I always get in close and fire Fast, to give my target less time to react, but of course that means my eels fly by and (I think) explode on the other side of the target, sometimes 10 seconds / 200m (?) after my WO thinks they should

Any other tips?

7) Range < 1000m
8) Use them primary on heavy armoured warships (under keel shots)

[nemchenk]

Right! Yes, sorry, I should have said -- I always fire from about 500-700m, again not to give my target any time to react

This is my first SHIII playthrough, and it is still 1939... I expect getting to 500m will become MUCH harder later in the war

[nemo7]

Originally Posted by nemchenk

I expect getting to 500m will become MUCH harder later in the war

You have no idea matey... That's why this is the best U-boat sim ever made. Ahoy!

[nemchenk]

Originally Posted by nemo7

8) Use them primary on heavy armoured warships (under keel shots)

Well, I've only tried it on medium-sized merchantmen so far, 5,000-7,000 tons or so. Two eels at about 5m depth seems to be enough to sink them, but I'm in a Type IIB boat with only 5 eels on board, so I thought that if I went for a keel shot I could save an eel or two

[Jimbuna]

I don't see anything wrong with your tactics but personally, I prefer to use 'contacts' until late 1940.

[papa_smurf]

If your using type II torps (the electric ones), these had very unreliable magnetic pistols, which was not fixed unitil the type III electric torpedo.

[Hook]

Originally Posted by nemchenk

1) Try not to use them in high seas
2) Set the depth to 1-2m under the target's keel as listed in the book

In reasonably calm seas, I've been setting the depth to 0.5 meters under the target's keel with good effect. Mostly 90 degree AOB and 700 meters with the torpedo set to fast.

Hook

[ryanglavin]

My damn type 3 electrics always premature as of right now, in september 1944. I hate those things.

[nemchenk]

Thanks, guys. They are the "A" (steam-powered) torpedo. I guess the sea must be a bit too rough for them still (1-2m waves) and perhaps I am having bad luck.

I'll stick to impact triggers for the time being And I need to get me a VII boat!

[Lord_magerius]

Type VII kaleuns do it deeper

[STEED]

Impacts all the way.

If would have used Magnetics on a ore carrier just a bit ago, I could have saved myself about 3 torps -_- I like magnetics more, even when not using on warships just for the fact that you can damage the structure enough to break her back with one hit under the center of the hull

[U777]

Originally Posted by STEED

Impacts all the way.

Same here and I use the electrics on warships only. I hate the magnetic triggers after having 4 eels in a row hit and not detonate in a single attack. Yes I was far enough and they were nearly 90 degree hits.

[VONHARRIS]

I agree with STEED. I use impact pistoled torpedoes even on big warships. The G7a has the biggest warhead available and when fired at night or in bad weather conditions its trail bubble can not be spotted easily. Evenmore single merchants don't spot the torpedo at day with exellent weather.
Of course when acoustic torpedoes are available I aiways load at least one on my fore tubes and if I have enough renown one in the aft tubes. I always command an IXC or IXC/40 at that time.