[WIP] Targeting and Plotting Manual

[Letum]

I think it would help a lot of members if we all got together to create a
short targeting and plotting manual or data sheet with all the tips and tricks in.

I am happy to put it together, but I need lots of input from everyone!

Please post anything you might feel is relevant.

Things like:

Different methods for working out AOB, Range etc.
Plotting intercepts
Hydrophone targeting
Single observation targeting
Zero calculation estimate/guess shots
Etc.

I especially want formulas for working out speed, range and AOB.
The more the better.

I hope there is some interest in this.

[sharkbit]

I put this in a post a couple of weeks ago on end arounds. Kinda haphazard and basic and might need some tweeking:

Anybody can aim and shoot a torpedo. The hard part is getting in front of the target in good position to do it. Once in front of the target, the rest is a piece of cake.
This is a VERY basic outline of a very basic tactic, but a key tactic to submarining success.

This is what I do(patience is the key):

Phase 1: Intel Gathering(I think the most important part)
Get speed and course of target. Get close enough to see the ship and get 3 to 4 plots 3:15 apart. This will give you a pretty good base course and speed. If the target is escorted(i.e. convoy), you got to be pretty careful. If the stern escort or one of the flankers have radar, this might get difficult. You may need to make a quick plot and scoot back out of sight.

Phase 2: Plot the end around.
Draw a course line for your target.
Draw a 12-18km radius circle(depending on visibility) and place this on the course line of your target. Plot a course for your submarine skirting this circle until you are parallel to the target's course. Move the circle around on the course line some to refine your plot.
(I try to stay completely out of visual range while on my flanking move and pour the coals to her-Ahead Flank. I have been spotted at longer ranges when I've been at high speed and still in sight of my target.)

This is where it might get tricky:
Make a note of what time the last mark was made on the nav map. Use the nomograph or speed/time charts that come with GWX to see how far the target will travel in two hours compared to how far your submarine will travel in two hours or so at the speed you want to outflank at and make a mark on the target's course line. If you will be far enough ahead you can plot a course to start to easing in on the target's course line.
(I use two hours as a starting point-you may need to adjust this time up or down depending on your's and the target's speed and see where you and the target will be at the end of that time and see if you are far enough ahead to start heading in toward the target's track.)

Occasionally, slow down and ease in toward the target a little and regain visual contact and make sure the target hasn't changed course(or dive and do a sound check).

I try to adjust my speed so I can get ahead of the target at a time of my choosing that will help make an attack successful, even if that means sailing on a parallel course at the target's speed for a while.
High time compression will work so you don't waste hours of real time doing this.

Phase 3: Close Target's Track
Once far enough ahead, close the target's track and then backtrack down the course until you regain contact and begin your attack.


This technique is not without disadvantages however:
The target can change course and you may have to basically start over or even lose the target(never happened to me before-yeah right!).
Convoy escorts do head away from the convoy at times to search and you may have to evade occasionally(never happened to me before-yeah right!).
Aircraft can force you under while end arounding(never happened to me before-yeah right! No really).
You can start in too early and spot the target too soon and not in the position you want and have to run a little further ahead-(never happened to me before-yeah right!).

From what I've read though, the above disadvantages happened in real life to real submarines in the Atlantic and Pacific.

The technique will have to be adjusted based on conditions, area, air cover, proximity to land, and year, but the basic tactic will work to get you ahead of the target.

[Letum]

Thanks!
Just the kind of stuff that will help.

[onelifecrisis]

Actually, Letum, there is already such a project going on, and joegrundman (who had the idea and I guess is "project leader" if you like) is looking for contributors to a proper manual covering such things, so maybe send him a PM!

[Letum]

Cheers OLC!
Will do.

[Hitman]

Yeah, send him the PM, I'm already working in the ship ID and estimation part

[joegrundman]

Definitely, and if anyone else wants to contribute a section, drop me a line!