Time to learn manual shooting!!

[tsotha]

Originally Posted by TorpX

Yes and No. If you are only considering the simplified problem with a triangle and constant speed vectors of the target and torpedo. BUT, in RL, torpedos do not accelerate instantly, nor do they always start at the set depth. Most likely, the torpedo will sink some, accelerate and climb to it's set depth (if all goes well), and then proceed at a constant speed to the target.

That makes sense. But did the TDCs of the era take all that into account?

[Hitman]

If you are only considering the simplified problem with a triangle and constant speed vectors of the target and torpedo.

Even then there will be a small difference due to the periscope or uzo being 35 metres behind the torpedo. But IIRC the TDC did take that into account.

But did the TDCs of the era take all that into account?

I think so, but based on average preprogrammed value. There were no input settings for that.

In general, commanders knew that and thus simply minimized the error getting close and trying to hit the broadside, as a minor deviation on a 150 metres long hull at 90º can still mean a hit.

[TorpX]

Originally Posted by tsotha

That makes sense. But did the TDCs of the era take all that into account?

I know the US TDC's did, and assume the KM's did as well, but as Hitman suggested, they were imperfect machines. O'Kane mentions in one of his books that they checked and calibrated the TDC between patrols and it would calculate the correct angle to 1/4 degree. He considered that sufficient, because the torpedoes were said to be able to hold course to within 1/2 degree.

[tsotha]

Originally Posted by TorpX

I know the US TDC's did, and assume the KM's did as well, but as Hitman suggested, they were imperfect machines. O'Kane mentions in one of his books that they checked and calibrated the TDC between patrols and it would calculate the correct angle to 1/4 degree. He considered that sufficient, because the torpedoes were said to be able to hold course to within 1/2 degree.

Hmmm. 1/2 degree is about 17 meters at 2km. Seems effective enough given the length of the targets.

[TorpX]

Yes, in ordinary circumstances that would be more than enough. If a fast moving target was closing at a 10 or 15 degree track, it could be tricky, though.