120 Degree Track?

groomsie · 01-26-10, 09:34 AM

With a new job I've had more time for leisure reading. I'm currently reading "Wahoo" by Dick O'Kane (which by the way does not seem as well written as I recall "Clear The Bridge" being--he seems to skip some details which I'm sure he knows the backstory but the reader may not).

Anyway, one item that jumped out at me was several references by O'Kane to Morton preferring a track of 120 as it afforded the target the least chance of evading the torpedo. I've used the "Dick O'Kane" targeting method with great success; I've played around with the "Cromwell" method when I have time and inclination and can appreciate that it provides least time to avoid (ie: faster rate of closure between weapon and target).

Has anyone tried anything like what I'm referring to (weapon approach aft of the beam around 30 degrees)? It would obviously lessen the closure rate between weapon and target but I hadn't thought about (and have not worked through) the thought that the angle may make evasion more difficult. Morton obviously was a really aggressive and innovative skipper who enjoyed great success, so I have to feel he knew what he was talking about (although the differences in game play--like dragster-like targets--may negate what in real life may in fact have been valid).

Anyway, I don't recall ever seeing this approach ever mentioned and was curious if anyone has looked into this.

01-26-10, 09:34 AM	#1
groomsie Electrician's Mate Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Stoughton, WI Posts: 140 Downloads: 50 Uploads: 0	120 Degree Track? With a new job I've had more time for leisure reading. I'm currently reading "Wahoo" by Dick O'Kane (which by the way does not seem as well written as I recall "Clear The Bridge" being--he seems to skip some details which I'm sure he knows the backstory but the reader may not). Anyway, one item that jumped out at me was several references by O'Kane to Morton preferring a track of 120 as it afforded the target the least chance of evading the torpedo. I've used the "Dick O'Kane" targeting method with great success; I've played around with the "Cromwell" method when I have time and inclination and can appreciate that it provides least time to avoid (ie: faster rate of closure between weapon and target). Has anyone tried anything like what I'm referring to (weapon approach aft of the beam around 30 degrees)? It would obviously lessen the closure rate between weapon and target but I hadn't thought about (and have not worked through) the thought that the angle may make evasion more difficult. Morton obviously was a really aggressive and innovative skipper who enjoyed great success, so I have to feel he knew what he was talking about (although the differences in game play--like dragster-like targets--may negate what in real life may in fact have been valid). Anyway, I don't recall ever seeing this approach ever mentioned and was curious if anyone has looked into this.