What's the point of heavy flak?

Originally Posted by Threadfin

I don't think flak shells in WW2 had proximity fuses. They are fused to explode at a certain height, they are timed fused.

After a bit of research I have to admit that they weren't proximity fuzed. The characteristics of the 3.7cm are as follows:

Muzzle velocity _ _ _ _ _ 2,690 f/sMaximum horizontal range _ _ _ _ _ 8,744 ydsMaximum vertical range _ _ _ _ _ 15,600 ftTheoretical rate of fire _ _ _ _ _ 150 rpmPractical rate of fire _ _ _ _ _ 60 rpmMaximum effective ceiling with self-destroying tracer ammuniion. (A new shell has been introduced, which is self-destroying at 9,185-11,480 ft. after 7-10 secs.) _ _ _ _ _ 13,775 ft with 14 secs time of flightAutomatic, recoil-operated; the firing mechanism can be set for single-shot or continuous fire as required. The ammunition is loaded in clips holding 6 rounds.Weight in action _ _ _ _ _ 3,100 lbs (approx.)Elevation _ _ _ _ _ -10° to +85°Traverse _ _ _ _ _ 360°Length of barrel _ _ _ _ _ 50 cals (6 ft)Ammunition—two classes, as follows: (i) Self-destroying HE tracer vvith percussion fuze (weight of projectile, 1 lb. 6 oz) (ii) AP tracer (weight of projectile, 1 lb 8 1/2 oz)

So it appears as if they need a direct hit to damage an aircraft, and self-destruct (explode) at the end of their range.

credit: http://www.lonesentry.com/manuals/ge...t_aa_guns.html

[Hybris]

For heavy flak I go with the quad cannon. Also if you really want to use the flak guns as short range (>1500m or if your one hell of a shot 2000 MAYBE 2500m) search for a torpedo power speed mod I think its called with it your flak guns can sink most ships in one shot or at least do heavy damage so a second is almost always a sure kill (This also applies to your deck gun). And if you use the torpedo file replacement you get one shot one kills if you hit the target of course. One file in the mod I recomend you don't use is the torpedo speed mod its makes the electric torpedos go at 40 knots but the problem is with accoustic they can't find their targets.(Going off from what I remember in the readme.)

[bookworm_020]

The 37mm that comes with the boat when you get it is useless, upgrage the the autoloader version ASAP, the twin is best, it kicks the @$^! out of B-24's.

VIIC in U-flak config with just twin 37mm is great fun.