Questions from the noob...

[Akula4745]

Well I was really interested more in differing technique than validity... but it is an interesting side note on these tools availability during the war. So am I to understand that most players do NOT use the decoys and noisemakers?

Thanks all.
Akula4745

[Torplexed]

I've used them in SH3, but never in SH4 because it feels ahistorical and out of place with the theater. I believe the common procedure in SH3 is to drop a line of them at intervals to make a big sonar target and then depart the line at a right angle, but against multiple escorts I've never seen it work.

[NEON DEON]

Originally Posted by Akula4745

Well I was really interested more in differing technique than validity... but it is an interesting side note on these tools availability during the war. So am I to understand that most players do NOT use the decoys and noisemakers?

Thanks all.
Akula4745

Oh tactics.

Crashdive at flank. when you get to 40 meters and level drop a decoy and go hard to port or starboard 90 degrees(knuckle). When the turn is almost complete drop your speed to 1/3 and rig for silent running. Dive below the thermal layer when the turn is finished. Once below the layer crawl away at 2 knots. Try to keep your stern pointed to the closest escorts sonar contact.

[MonTana_Prussian]

The thermal layer is your best friend,but I try not to be in need of that friend whenever possible.

[Akula4745]

Thanks NEON DEON for the info. You describe pretty much my understanding of the technique... dive, 90 degree turn and simultaneous release... maybe a 3 count then reduce speed and run quiet.

I must confess to not being as knowledgeable of the historical details as some of my fellow forum members... and I am likely mixing in tactics from reading about post world war II submarine activity. To be honest I had not noticed any great benefit from using the decoys... but it certainly did not appear to hurt when mixed with other evasion techniques.

One thing is for sure... with a little practice the "stock" escorts are kinda easy to evade (I had read this previously in the forum and now agree)... so I am really practicing for the improved level of prosecution which I expect to find in the RFB mod. Just trying to hone the details so when my new PC arrives on Wednesday I will be ready.

On another note - sometimes it seems the thermal layer is not there... or I am not getting deep enough... or maybe just not announced? Is there typically not a thermal layer above 165 feet when not in open seas? So many questions...

Thanks for the feedback everyone!
Akula4745

[Torplexed]

Thermal layers or 'thermoclines' are mostly a matter of luck and happenstance. Most US subs by 1944 had a device called a bathythermograph for detecting them, although the game generously gives you this detection ability through the whole war. If you should find a thermal while diving after an attack or even before one one consider yourself blessed. Although no guarantee of a successful evasion from escorts they are a sub's natural ally.

[Akula4745]

Because a thermal layer partially deflects or inhibits surface sonar, right?

[Torplexed]

Originally Posted by Akula4745

Because a thermal layer partially deflects or inhibits surface sonar, right?

yes...it bends and refracts it. Here's a pretty good and brief article on the subject from uboat.net

http://www.uboat.net/articles/index.html?article=45

[MonTana_Prussian]

Originally Posted by Torplexed

Thermal layers or 'thermoclines' are mostly a matter of luck and happenstance. Most US subs by 1944 had a device called a bathythermograph for detecting them, although the game generously gives you this detection ability through the whole war. If you should find a thermal while diving after an attack or even before one one consider yourself blessed. Although no guarantee of a successful evasion from escorts they are a sub's natural ally.

Yep. They depend on a variety of environmental conditions that can vary greatly,even within a short distance. But as Torp says,it's really nice to find one,especially when preparing to attack an escorted convoy!

[Torplexed]

Hey Montana did you notice that Akula has been promoted to a full Admiral? (going by his shiny new avatar) Not bad for 93 posts.