Surface Convoy Attack

Schnee · 12-27-17, 11:00 AM

Ok -- now back to the Atlantic after playing a full campaign in a fleet boat in SH4 -- time to return to my roots.
Question is -- I have always been cautious in making convoy attacks submerged, now its time to be more agressive.

In anyone's opinion, what is the latest you could make a successful surface convoy attack? By that I mean 1-2 kills and then escaping unscathed without being picked off by destroyer gunfire?

By which time did escort radar become advanced enough to make a surface attack untenable.

Kapt Z · 12-27-17, 10:03 PM

Spring '41

XenonSurf · 12-27-17, 11:02 PM

The best time for a convoy attack is the so-called 'Happy Time', 1-3 years after war begin.
A german skipper who became Admiral after the war, Otto Kretschmer, said that the best place for a sub to be when making a convoy attack is plain in the middle, inside the convoy at night. (*)
It's the last place where a watcher would look for a sub. Also the sub would be difficult to spot because the convoy had the habit to illuminate the outside zone of the convoy when attacked. so actually u-boats didn't have to dive and make submerged attacks in such situations (but every situation is different!)

But I highly doubt SH3 / SH5 simulates all this, if you go for it you probably will be an easy kill for the destroyers and armed Q-ships.

(*): Reference: Interview with Otto Kretschmer in the sub game's video section Aces of The Deep.

Good luck,

Schnee · 12-28-17, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kapt Z

Spring '41

I Kinda figured that -- from Spring / April 40 to about May 1941.

Into Nov 1939 now and have only spotted ONE convoy -- so far my kills have ranged from C2 and the rest aree small/coastal merchants.

Can't range too far in a type VIIB based in Kiel, but we will see.

geosub1978 · 01-17-18, 12:47 PM

Pass aft of the side escort at night move aft of the convoy and then reverse and get inside!

Obltn Strand · 12-28-17, 01:23 AM

I have managed to pull one off early-42. It's combination of skill and luck during later years. Wolfpacks and convoys already under attack helps...a lot.

JuanLiquid · 12-28-17, 03:48 AM

At least in SH3, this is not simulated. I'd love it

Obltn Strand · 12-28-17, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JuanLiquid

At least in SH3, this is not simulated. I'd love it

If you mean wolfpacks and convoys under attack they are simulated. h.sie patch gives you wolfpacks and Sergbutos AI uboats or something gives convoys under attack. Which is cool btw. I'm not sure about the last mod but I think Stiebler included it in NYGM.

12-27-17, 11:00 AM	#1
Schnee Engineer Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 209 Downloads: 2 Uploads: 0	Surface Convoy Attack Ok -- now back to the Atlantic after playing a full campaign in a fleet boat in SH4 -- time to return to my roots. Question is -- I have always been cautious in making convoy attacks submerged, now its time to be more agressive. In anyone's opinion, what is the latest you could make a successful surface convoy attack? By that I mean 1-2 kills and then escaping unscathed without being picked off by destroyer gunfire? By which time did escort radar become advanced enough to make a surface attack untenable.

12-27-17, 10:03 PM	#2
Kapt Z Grey Wolf Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: ...somewhere in the swamps of Jersey. Posts: 909 Downloads: 157 Uploads: 0	Spring '41 __________________ ...I fought in many guises, many names, but always me. Patton

01-17-18, 12:47 PM	#5
geosub1978 Samurai Navy Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Salamis Base Posts: 567 Downloads: 229 Uploads: 0	Pass aft of the side escort at night move aft of the convoy and then reverse and get inside! __________________

12-28-17, 01:23 AM	#6
Obltn Strand Commodore Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Helsinki, Finland Posts: 614 Downloads: 135 Uploads: 0	I have managed to pull one off early-42. It's combination of skill and luck during later years. Wolfpacks and convoys already under attack helps...a lot. __________________ Himmel, sukeltakaa!

12-27-17, 11:02 PM	#3
XenonSurf Sea Lord Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Germany, Italy Posts: 1,721 Downloads: 107 Uploads: 4	The best time for a convoy attack is the so-called 'Happy Time', 1-3 years after war begin. A german skipper who became Admiral after the war, Otto Kretschmer, said that the best place for a sub to be when making a convoy attack is plain in the middle, inside the convoy at night. () It's the last place where a watcher would look for a sub. Also the sub would be difficult to spot because the convoy had the habit to illuminate the outside zone of the convoy when attacked. so actually u-boats didn't have to dive and make submerged attacks in such situations (but every situation is different!) But I highly doubt SH3 / SH5 simulates all this, if you go for it you probably will be an easy kill for the destroyers and armed Q-ships. (): Reference: Interview with Otto Kretschmer in the sub game's video section Aces of The Deep. Good luck,

12-28-17, 03:48 AM	#7
JuanLiquid Machinist's Mate Join Date: Jun 2016 Posts: 130 Downloads: 60 Uploads: 0	At least in SH3, this is not simulated. I'd love it