Dealing with Destroyers

[Sandman_28054]

Originally Posted by PoweredBySoy

Now, I realize they're called Destroyers for a reason - but I just can't ever seem to shake these guys. What are some common strategies for remaining undetected? And once detected, how do I escape them?

Currently in my campaign I have a Destroyer right on top of me. I've gotten pretty good at avoiding his depth charges (as he's passing over me I turn hard 90 degrees and hit flank speed) - but no matter what I do he always knows where I am. I've tried remaining in flank as he passes over me and just outrunning him, hoping I'd spend enough time in his 'dead zone' so I could get away. I've tried submerging down to 350 feet and shutting off the engines. I've tried zig zagging at 1/3rd and silent running..... Nothing. He's on my like white on rice.

Any tips?

There have been a plenty of great advice given here.

Any one of them should give you an edge.

The only thing I would add, is just reading your post, you are being persued by a single destroyer.

Now what I have found that works in my cases is to stay around periscope depth.

If you can risk it, watch to see when he approaching from the stern. When he gears up, makes his run at you, go to flank speed and just as he is 2-300 yards away, either go hard to port ot hard to starboard. Depth charges will come, make no mistake about it, but they should fall just uder you and depending on turn, either to the left or right of you. After he passes over, it is relatively safe to raise your periscope just above the waterline. Lock on target and turn hard to whichever direction he is turning.

Now, most destroyers have a depth of between 9-12'. If you have the "fish" to spare, set one of the fore tubes to med speed, contact influence, and 11' depth. When the target is over 400 yards away and your locked on, open fire.

Senerio #2, same as above except set your aft tubes the same settings. Or if you feel lucky, 3.5' depth, and contact fuse. When the destroyer passes over, if he turns to port, order hard to starboard and flank speed. As he comes into target, wiat until you have a good shot, usually anywhere from 165 degrees to 195 degrees. (15 degrees on either side of 180) And open up on him.

Then dive as quickly as possible to 350-400', execute a 90 degree turn, and order silent running.

Been there, done that. In another thread I relate a story that happened to me on one of my recent missions where i was being hunted by 5, count 'em, 5 destroyers!

Thought I'd be fish food for sure.

At any rate, good luck and good hunting.