Did WWII subs perform TMA plots - if not why?

MarkShot · 07-21-05, 02:16 PM

I have read two books by O'Kane "Wahoo" and "Clear the Bridge!". It seems WWII subs often had potential targets under observation for anywhere from 30 minutes to many hours. Yet, as best I can tell, TMA (speed, range, and course) was solved by the following methods:

(1) Stadimetric visual observations for range and angle on the bow (course derivative).

(2) Occassionally radar was used for ranging.

(3) Ocassionally active sonar was used for ranging.

(4) Passive sonar for counting screw turns to estimate speed.

From my experience with Sub Command, it is clear that TMA via plotting can be done with any form of LOB (line of bearing like visual sightings) data and a plotting board without any electronic technology.

So, my question is why wasn't TMA plotting techniques not used or was it and I simply missed it in my readings?

Thanks.

PS: Cross-posted on the DW and SHIII forums, since I am not sure that the two communities are one in the same.

07-21-05, 02:16 PM	#1
MarkShot Ace of the Deep Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 1,134 Downloads: 93 Uploads: 0	Did WWII subs perform TMA plots - if not why? I have read two books by O'Kane "Wahoo" and "Clear the Bridge!". It seems WWII subs often had potential targets under observation for anywhere from 30 minutes to many hours. Yet, as best I can tell, TMA (speed, range, and course) was solved by the following methods: (1) Stadimetric visual observations for range and angle on the bow (course derivative). (2) Occassionally radar was used for ranging. (3) Ocassionally active sonar was used for ranging. (4) Passive sonar for counting screw turns to estimate speed. From my experience with Sub Command, it is clear that TMA via plotting can be done with any form of LOB (line of bearing like visual sightings) data and a plotting board without any electronic technology. So, my question is why wasn't TMA plotting techniques not used or was it and I simply missed it in my readings? Thanks. PS: Cross-posted on the DW and SHIII forums, since I am not sure that the two communities are one in the same. __________________ War games, not wars! --- Only a small few profit from war (that should not stand)!