Wind direction, does' it matter?

WernherVonTrapp · 09-10-10, 10:02 AM

I've had similar experiences while traveling, though it never occurred to me using the deck gun. However, I always attributed the extra speed as an influence of ocean currents. It never dawned on me that windage might be a factor. It's funny how these things can affect surface speeds yet, come to a stop and the boat just sits there, no drifting. I used to think that my boat actually drifted with the currents or tides but, after a lengthy discussion on the subject at the UBI forum, I realized that I was wrong and was only experiencing a belief induced phenomenon.

Vaux · 09-10-10, 01:46 PM

Target shooting with a rifle has been a life-long hobby of mine and I can attest to the effect of wind on a shot from personal experience, even at relatively short ranges with light winds. I've never fired a submarine deck gun, but I have to imagine the wind would effect that too. Especially at longer ranges. It's the same basic concept as a rifle, just upscaled. Now, whether this is actually factored into the game is another question entirely and I don't see a way to test for a definitive answer to that question.

Edited to comment on your last paragraph: I would think that has more to do with the pitching of the deck/gun than the wind. If your gun barrel is pitching up and down due to rough seas, it would be very unlikely that you would ever pull the trigger at the exact same point of the pitch twice in a row. That Minute of Angle is very small at the muzzle, but gets bigger and bigger the farther out you go.

Armistead · 09-10-10, 02:21 PM

Yes, the pitching is due to rough seas and your shots go everywhere.
In reality it shouldn't matter what direction you go, rough seas are rough in all directions. Still I find it strange the right direction you can get a basic steady gun.

No doubt real life and the game are two different things.

rein1705 · 09-10-10, 03:02 PM

i have noticed in my S-boat that in rough sea and sometimes in calm to medium seas my boat will travel following course with up to 5 degrees rudder to ether port or starboard. I always attributed that to the helmsmen adjusting to current but it could be wind....
Ever notice that?
I mean you wouldn't need 5 to port to travel a strait line any other way.

Vaux · 09-10-10, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rein1705

i have noticed in my S-boat that in rough sea and sometimes in calm to medium seas my boat will travel following course with up to 5 degrees rudder to ether port or starboard. I always attributed that to the helmsmen adjusting to current but it could be wind....
Ever notice that?
I mean you wouldn't need 5 to port to travel a strait line any other way.

I've noticed that as well in my S boat. It's not there all the time so, obviously the helmsman is compensating for something. And you're right. I notice that more during heavy weather.

raymond6751 · 09-10-10, 04:35 PM

This question can best be answered by tests in the editor.

What? If wind affects fuel consumption.
Test: Sail a set distance, say 1/4 fuel against the wind. not miles covered.
Sail with the wind, again 1/4 tank, compare miles covered.

You could do the same with a cross wind.

What? Max gun range. Have target approach downwind and tell guns to engage at long range. Check range firing begins.

Do the same with target approaching upwind.

Just thoughts. I'm sure the effects aren't worth much.

Armistead · 09-10-10, 06:34 PM

I think Ducimas answered that. I know rough seas effect speed in TMO and it obvious shows, so no doubt it would effect fuel milage.

As far as currents and wind direction effecting other things, I doubt it, but I do find it strange by changing direction that you can hold another kt.

Vaux · 09-10-10, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Armistead

Yes, the pitching is due to rough seas and your shots go everywhere.
In reality it shouldn't matter what direction you go, rough seas are rough in all directions. Still I find it strange the right direction you can get a basic steady gun.

No doubt real life and the game are two different things.

That is odd. Wish I could get that calming effect in my real boat by just changing my heading! That would be nice.

09-10-10, 10:02 AM	#1
WernherVonTrapp Admiral Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Now, alot farther from NYC. Posts: 2,228 Downloads: 105 Uploads: 0	I've had similar experiences while traveling, though it never occurred to me using the deck gun. However, I always attributed the extra speed as an influence of ocean currents. It never dawned on me that windage might be a factor. It's funny how these things can affect surface speeds yet, come to a stop and the boat just sits there, no drifting. I used to think that my boat actually drifted with the currents or tides but, after a lengthy discussion on the subject at the UBI forum, I realized that I was wrong and was only experiencing a belief induced phenomenon. __________________ "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." -Miyamoto Musashi ------------------------------------------------------- "What is truth?" -Pontius Pilate

09-10-10, 03:02 PM	#4
rein1705 Samurai Navy Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: somewhere in the Past. Posts: 582 Downloads: 541 Uploads: 0	i have noticed in my S-boat that in rough sea and sometimes in calm to medium seas my boat will travel following course with up to 5 degrees rudder to ether port or starboard. I always attributed that to the helmsmen adjusting to current but it could be wind.... Ever notice that? I mean you wouldn't need 5 to port to travel a strait line any other way. __________________ "Diesel Pig" Not so long ago...

09-10-10, 04:35 PM	#6
raymond6751 Admirable Mike Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 1,338 Downloads: 421 Uploads: 0	Some tests are in order This question can best be answered by tests in the editor. What? If wind affects fuel consumption. Test: Sail a set distance, say 1/4 fuel against the wind. not miles covered. Sail with the wind, again 1/4 tank, compare miles covered. You could do the same with a cross wind. What? Max gun range. Have target approach downwind and tell guns to engage at long range. Check range firing begins. Do the same with target approaching upwind. Just thoughts. I'm sure the effects aren't worth much. __________________ Game Designer: Close The Atlantic - World War Three https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/...orld-war-three

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09-10-10, 01:46 PM	#2
Vaux Torpedoman Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Florida Posts: 116 Downloads: 26 Uploads: 0	Target shooting with a rifle has been a life-long hobby of mine and I can attest to the effect of wind on a shot from personal experience, even at relatively short ranges with light winds. I've never fired a submarine deck gun, but I have to imagine the wind would effect that too. Especially at longer ranges. It's the same basic concept as a rifle, just upscaled. Now, whether this is actually factored into the game is another question entirely and I don't see a way to test for a definitive answer to that question. Edited to comment on your last paragraph: I would think that has more to do with the pitching of the deck/gun than the wind. If your gun barrel is pitching up and down due to rough seas, it would be very unlikely that you would ever pull the trigger at the exact same point of the pitch twice in a row. That Minute of Angle is very small at the muzzle, but gets bigger and bigger the farther out you go.

09-10-10, 02:21 PM	#3
Armistead Rear Admiral Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: on the Dan Posts: 10,880 Downloads: 364 Uploads: 0	Yes, the pitching is due to rough seas and your shots go everywhere. In reality it shouldn't matter what direction you go, rough seas are rough in all directions. Still I find it strange the right direction you can get a basic steady gun. No doubt real life and the game are two different things.

09-10-10, 06:34 PM	#7
Armistead Rear Admiral Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: on the Dan Posts: 10,880 Downloads: 364 Uploads: 0	I think Ducimas answered that. I know rough seas effect speed in TMO and it obvious shows, so no doubt it would effect fuel milage. As far as currents and wind direction effecting other things, I doubt it, but I do find it strange by changing direction that you can hold another kt.