Fun with Convoys

[derrinurban]

Originally Posted by Tinman764

I've tried to do this sort of thing so many times but each time the screen picks me up as I wait for the convoy to pass over me. I've tried various depths, positioning my boat to offer a low profile, silent speed.. I just can't get past the screen.. what's the secret? :P

I have only been caught the odd time and that was usually because of my own stupidity. Generally I am at periscope depth, do not need to be any deeper. My approach is as follows:

- when I get a report of or sight a convoy, move to get well ahead (intercept). I might shadow the side of the convoy to get preliminary target data, but mostly try to get 10-15 km+ ahead.
- I refine the path or convoy line so that I can position myself 4-5 km from centerline of convoy. This distance provides good clearance from the lead destroyer.
- Turn about 45-60 degress towards the convoy, periscope depth, silent running. Turning towards the convoy provides small profile.
- Move towards convoy, collecting data, refining TDC information. Make sure to stay at least 2 km from the course line of the lead destroyer.
- As lead destroyer approaches, I slowly turn perpendicular to convoy course. So that I present minimal profile to destroyer while getting into firing position.
- when perpendicular to target line (1.5-2 km from centerline/destroyer), let destroyer pass, slowly move forward into destroyer baffles. This is usually the tricky part. However, if you have been routinely raising and lowering periscope and watching the hydrophone to check on the destroyer, you should know his pattern (chugging along, sweeping forward and backward, etc). His pattern will dictate when you slip in behind him.
- Once in the destroyers baffles, you just have to move forward into your firing position and sink 'em all. As long as your firing position is not outside the first column (at least between the first and second columns), you should be clear of the outside/perimeter destroyers.

When I am moving into position, I keep silent running on and play with my speed. Close to the destroyer - 1 knot, in his baffles 2-3 knots (or more depending on where I want to position myself).

Hope this helps.