Fast TF Approach and Penetration

[Doenitz2008]

Penetrating a convoy. I've located a huge CV
TF. Conditions are : 0030, light winds, no
fog, calm seas, and no moon. The TF is
bearing 82, at a distance of 8.2 NM, heading SW, speed 21.
The first contact is the lead DD of a DD picket consisting of
4 on the starboard side of the TF and 4 to port. The interior
of the convoy consists of at least 1 CV and several CA's. I'm
on my 8th patrol of a career which I am basically using for learning
different targeting and approach techniques so I have multiple saves.
I've tried various approaches and have not managed to get into
the interior. The TF is going too fast for me to plot an end around
intercept, plus it is in the Slot so I don't have a huge amount of
distance to play with. I've tried approaching at 90 degrees as deep
as possible. I got almost close enough for a firing solution into the
first row, but I was getting pinged about 3-4 minutes before my
target reached solution. I've tried approaching at a more obtuse
angle, say 45 degrees, but again I was detected and this time
way beyond a firing solution. Probably they detected me on passive
sonar. I'm beginning to think that I might have just detected this
TF at a much less than optimal initial setup and it might just
be impossible to get into it. Seems that a successful attack on a
fast moving TF is just as much a matter of being lucky in detecting
it initially with a more optimal setup as it is with your approach
to it. Any tips welcomed.

[gAiNiAc]

It's been a while since I've been here..........

but.............

Get aggressive.

Sucker the screen into charging you and charge the main body.

If detection is a given then move in fast, get shots off then evade taking advantage of the chaos.

Try and get a bead on the first ship of the main column. Hit her and the following ships will have to slow and avoid providing further targets of opportunity.

[commandosolo2009]

well, play it safe. If you have a save before current position while they're a while back, head further try to line up with the carrier. If you dont, dont bother, save your fuel, and report it to comsubpac. I'm sure you wont mind a deeper boat taking the Carrier out, since you're all part of the same team..

Another idea, is to establish their base course and move well ahead. If you're coming to a dead end, save your eels for merchants.., oh, and report to comsubpac..

Go get'em tiger!!

[Doenitz2008]

I've pretty much tried every angle and the geometry just isn't working out. Bummer. If someone wants to have a go at it I'll send you a save game file.

[TorpX]

I don't have a magic wand and I doubt there is one.
In RL, finding a large TF was very unusual and sinking a capitol ship was even more so. Most sub skippers, even the successful ones, never got one. It is easy to forget that. As you found out, hitting a fast moving and well protected target is not easy (nor should it be). This is especially true when you start in an unfavorable position. The odds of success are usually better, if you start out ahead of the group (as you already figured out). My advice would be to make your best approach, and if you can't get close, make a long range shot. When it comes to capitol ships, even a very long shot is better than none at all. Happy Hunting!

[Diopos]

If the TF is at a relative bearing 82° heading SW and fast try to maneuver for an aft shot. That is move in reverse and try for an O'Kane (or whatever angle attainable) with your aft tubes.


.

[Dogfish40]

Originally Posted by TorpX

I don't have a magic wand and I doubt there is one.
In RL, finding a large TF was very unusual and sinking a capitol ship was even more so. Most sub skippers, even the successful ones, never got one. It is easy to forget that. As you found out, hitting a fast moving and well protected target is not easy (nor should it be). This is especially true when you start in an unfavorable position. The odds of success are usually better, if you start out ahead of the group (as you already figured out). My advice would be to make your best approach, and if you can't get close, make a long range shot. When it comes to capitol ships, even a very long shot is better than none at all. Happy Hunting!

Well said! The IJN destroyers were pretty savvy at detecting subs and many skippers were frustrated time and again having to break away from even favorable shots because the DD's were bearing down. However, there were magic moments when the convoys size dictated that the escorts be a good distance away from their benefactors because they couldn't hear the subs from the immense amount of prop wash from the convoy. These left precious holes in the defence. Much of the sub Skippers frustrations were from patrols that would sneak up seemingly out of nowhere and force the subs to dive deep.
As TorpX said, there were not a lot of successful attacks from lone fleet subs, however there were a few by U.S Wolfpacks of two to three subs that would harrass the hell out of convoys for miles.
Keep it up, you'll find it, Good Hunting.
D40

[commandosolo2009]

Originally Posted by Doenitz2008

I've pretty much tried every angle and the geometry just isn't working out. Bummer. If someone wants to have a go at it I'll send you a save game file.

OK, I wanna have a go. Send me the mission file. I'll record and upload a youtube sinking response

[pabbi]

Conditions are : 0030, light winds, no
fog, calm seas, and no moon.


Are you sure you can´t get to them on surface. Say 45° angle.