Out of gas!!!!!!

[Schroeder]

Originally Posted by Sailor Steve

Nice math. But the question is still "Did it ever happen?"

Does it matter?
Maybe there has never been a case that a sub ran out of fuel. But that would not mean that no help would have been sent if it had happened. To me it is just logical to help a stranded (and maybe even undamaged) submarine. Besides you have to sent a vessel to get the crew anyway so why not refuelling it?

[Sniper31]

This used to happen to me alot in the early days when I first got SH4. What I do now is keep a better eye on my fuel level and watch my speed (as mentioned above, Standard is the best for fuel economy). Also, if on a long mission, during day light hours I will travel submerged to save fuel, then run on the surface in the dark and recharge. This of course also helps with staying undetected, but the fuel savings with this method are not huge by any means. All that surfacing and diving is a good way to work on your incoming air raid drills and emergency diving for sudden surface detections.

[Schroeder]

Actually you even loose fuel by doing this because the batteries have to be recharged by the diesel engines once you are on the surface again.

[SteamWake]

Originally Posted by Schroeder

Actually you even loose fuel by doing this because the batteries have to be recharged by the diesel engines once you are on the surface again.

One of my 'tricks' is when your assigned one of those 'patrol this area for x days' I will spend alot of time bobbing around on the surface, batteries fully charged, full stop. Even then a small amount of fuel is used.

To run the ice cream maker I guess, but its alot less fuel than if I spent all that time running too and fro.

Extending range by running submerged is not possible, as mentioned the fuel consumption increases while charging batterys.

As mentioned before look out for when your batteries are 'stuck' at 95% or something. You will continulally try to charge the defective batteries killing your milage.

[Sniper31]

Originally Posted by Schroeder

Actually you even loose fuel by doing this because the batteries have to be recharged by the diesel engines once you are on the surface again.

True, but as your batteries are charging, you are still moving along your planned route. Maybe it's only marginal, but that is why I only use that for long missions.

[Etienne]

Originally Posted by Sniper31

True, but as your batteries are charging, you are still moving along your planned route. Maybe it's only marginal, but that is why I only use that for long missions.

It sitll uses up more fuel, since you're using the generators both to turn the props and charge the batteries. Thermodynamics and all that : If you use more energy, you use more fuel.

In the end, running submerged costs you fuel. Probably more than running surfaced...

[Akula4745]

So if I am to understand correctly... best OPS strategy is:

1) Ahead standard offers best fuel mileage and fuel conservation always a consideration.
2) When recharging batteries I might as well run flank speed because the max amount of fuel is used anyway.
3) Ensure you are using standard propulsion when batteries do not need to be recharged.
4) Once you are down to 50% fuel - head for the nearest friendly port.

Do we have a consensus, gentlemen?

[Sniper31]

I do agree with that consensus... my points were just mine, but I do also stick to those points also.

[Fincuan]

Originally Posted by Akula4745

So if I am to understand correctly... best OPS strategy is:

1) Ahead standard offers best fuel mileage and fuel conservation always a consideration.
2) When recharging batteries I might as well run flank speed because the max amount of fuel is used anyway.
3) Ensure you are using standard propulsion when batteries do not need to be recharged.
4) Once you are down to 50% fuel - head for the nearest friendly port.

Do we have a consensus, gentlemen?

Those are generally ok, with certain considerations:
1) The best mileage on fleet boats is around 9.5 knots. Afaik this isn't "Ahead standard" in stock game. In RFB ahead standard is 10 knots.
2)No no and no. The less power you use for other things the faster they charge(in SH4). So ahead slow or similar when charging batteries.
3)
4) That's a good rule of thumb for starters. With experience you'll develop your own rules anyway.

one more:
5) Use the "max range at current speed"-option when in doubt. It's not activated in stock game, but comes with most major mods.

Nice pic and story there NEON

[NEON DEON]

Improvise.




"During a search for the sea-going tug Conestoga (AT-54) in May 1921. R-14 (SS-91) ran out of fuel southeast of Hawaii. Sails were made from blankets and mattresses, and the submarine arrived at Hilo on 15 May after 5 days under sail."

[Grizzybear]

Maybe someone should make a tug mod...this is the best game I have ever seen for mods wonder why none have thought of it..maybe a refueler or option for borrowing gas from someone.
MOD it

[Torplexed]

Guess you could call AAA. Those tow guys always price gouge though.