convoy attacks '42

acetoolguy · 10-05-11, 05:43 PM

So I'm near the end of 1942. It looks like the ASW has gone way ahead of my ability to get near a merchant. I'd say I have about a 1 in 5 chance of getting out alive with a kill. Does it reach a point where the convoys are just untouchable?

U570 · 10-05-11, 07:12 PM

It depends on your tactic. I found that intercepting the convoy for best attack position, and ambush it (preferably at night) let all tubes loose and just turn tail and dive at ahead standard to 150m. by the time the escorts are onto you, you are atleast 3km away.

Sandman_28054 · 10-05-11, 07:44 PM

Tactics vary from player to player.

In my experience with the game, when a convoy contact comes up, using the ruler, I plot their course up to 200 kms depending on how far away I am.

I like to attack parallel to the convoy if possible and get ahead of them by at least 5km, submerge and proceed at 2 knts.

It is best if you can parallel then from about 50 km (50 kms keeps you just out of the destroyers range)and run at full or flank until you can get ahead of them and turn to attack.

Uboat-48 · 10-05-11, 08:08 PM

One mistake I have made is attacking convoys in shallow water.
Shallow water is almost certain death.

The last convoy I attacked was in 40m deep water.
No matter what I did the destroyers would find me and attack without mercy.

Sandman_28054 · 10-05-11, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uboat-48

One mistake I have made is attacking convoys in shallow water.
Shallow water is almost certain death.

The last convoy I attacked was in 40m deep water.
No matter what I did the destroyers would find me and attack without mercy.

That is where zig-zag and free camera come in handy.

Yes, if your not careful, shallow water attacks can mean certain death.

Its not impossible, just hard.

Fish In The Water · 10-05-11, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acetoolguy

Does it reach a point where the convoys are just untouchable?

No, you can still attack from range, but the 'Happy Times' of the early war are definitely a thing of the past.

Missing Name · 10-05-11, 09:09 PM

Just wait. Later on in the war, good luck getting far out of port, let alone near a convoy!

VONHARRIS · 10-06-11, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Missing Name

Just wait. Later on in the war, good luck getting far out of port, let alone near a convoy!

Well said!
When this time comes , it is just shoot and go.
If you have FAT torps even better.

Luno · 10-06-11, 01:28 AM

I'm still in late 1939 and I have to admit, I'm getting sloppy. If what you guys say is true, I'm going to have a really tough time of it!

Quote:

That is where...free camera come in handy

Aw, where's the fun in that?

(and by fun, I mean PTSD induced nightmares and shouting "ALARM!" whenever a phone rings

)

Fish In The Water · 10-06-11, 03:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luno

I'm still in late 1939 and I have to admit, I'm getting sloppy. If what you guys say is true, I'm going to have a really tough time of it!

That's the real danger, (getting sloppy that is). Next thing you know Allied detection takes a big jump forward while we're still living in the past dreaming about easy kills. The term 'rude awakening' comes to mind...

papa_smurf · 10-06-11, 05:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Missing Name

Just wait. Later on in the war, good luck getting far out of port, let alone near a convoy!

Bay of Biscay is a death trap from 1943 onwards, always swarming with allied aircraft day and night.

Nerazzurri · 10-06-11, 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by papa_smurf

Bay of Biscay is a death trap from 1943 onwards, always swarming with allied aircraft day and night.

Compared to the Atlantic, are the Med or Indian ocean 'easier' from that period until the end?

Sandman_28054 · 10-06-11, 07:18 AM

One word: hedgehogs

Osmium Steele · 10-06-11, 07:32 AM

Mid 43 and convoy attacks are still working fine for me, IF the escorts are sparse enough.

I'm dreading the allies switch to millimeter wave radar. My tactics are heavily reliant on Metox at the moment.

JazzJR · 10-06-11, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luno

(and by fun, I mean PTSD induced nightmares and shouting "ALARM!" whenever a phone rings

)

But you won't end like Thomsen....always drunk....

If the Alberich would work like it did in real, there would be more success.

10-05-11, 05:43 PM	#1
acetoolguy A-ganger Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 74 Downloads: 27 Uploads: 0	convoy attacks '42 So I'm near the end of 1942. It looks like the ASW has gone way ahead of my ability to get near a merchant. I'd say I have about a 1 in 5 chance of getting out alive with a kill. Does it reach a point where the convoys are just untouchable?

10-05-11, 07:12 PM	#2
U570 Grey Wolf Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Planet Earth Posts: 867 Downloads: 89 Uploads: 0	It depends on your tactic. I found that intercepting the convoy for best attack position, and ambush it (preferably at night) let all tubes loose and just turn tail and dive at ahead standard to 150m. by the time the escorts are onto you, you are atleast 3km away. __________________ "Submariners are a bunch of intelligent misfits that somehow seem to get along, understand each other and work well together"- Anon

10-05-11, 09:09 PM	#7
Missing Name Seasoned Skipper Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Westun New Yahk Posts: 748 Downloads: 131 Uploads: 0	Just wait. Later on in the war, good luck getting far out of port, let alone near a convoy! __________________ Largest target sunk with deck gun: Japanese auxiliary cruiser, 15000 tons Largest engaged: HMS Nelson. Results inconclusive. Read Brag's stuff

10-06-11, 07:32 AM	#14
Osmium Steele Ace of the Deep Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Upper midwest USA Posts: 1,101 Downloads: 22 Uploads: 0	Mid 43 and convoy attacks are still working fine for me, IF the escorts are sparse enough. I'm dreading the allies switch to millimeter wave radar. My tactics are heavily reliant on Metox at the moment. __________________ In the month of July of the year 1348, between the feasts of St. Benedict and of St. Swithin, a strange thing came upon England... My U297 build thread

10-05-11, 07:44 PM	#3
Sandman_28054 Captain Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 547 Downloads: 279 Uploads: 0	Tactics vary from player to player. In my experience with the game, when a convoy contact comes up, using the ruler, I plot their course up to 200 kms depending on how far away I am. I like to attack parallel to the convoy if possible and get ahead of them by at least 5km, submerge and proceed at 2 knts. It is best if you can parallel then from about 50 km (50 kms keeps you just out of the destroyers range)and run at full or flank until you can get ahead of them and turn to attack.

10-05-11, 08:08 PM	#4
Uboat-48 Watch Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 22 Downloads: 11 Uploads: 0	One mistake I have made is attacking convoys in shallow water. Shallow water is almost certain death. The last convoy I attacked was in 40m deep water. No matter what I did the destroyers would find me and attack without mercy.

10-06-11, 07:18 AM	#13
Sandman_28054 Captain Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 547 Downloads: 279 Uploads: 0	One word: hedgehogs