Is Angle on Bow really important?

[Corsair]

Originally Posted by Kumando

Hi, i found out that if i left the AoB on 0º or even 180º, i have a 0º gyroangle wherever i point my bow and i can pretty much decide the gyroangle i want by just poiting the scope. So what is really the point of making all the calculations of AoB if this method works?

Because the AOB is used by the TDC to calculate the course of target which in turn with the speed of target enables the firing solution. Of course you can always do without and shoot from the hip but you have to estimate yourself by how many degrees you have to lead your target...

The most important aspect of manual targeting (which is what they used in real life) is target's speed.

The second most important aspect was Angle on the Bow (which is what they used in real life). This is a measurement of your course as it relates to your target's course.

Target speed and AOB are used by the Target Data Computer to determine the offset angle of the torpedo run and whether it is to port or to starboard.

In the game as we play, nothing else affects the torpedo's course toward the target. Target distance (which is NOT exactly the same thing as distance of the torpedo run) has no affect on accuracy. It only affects the stopwatch time of estimated torpedo impact.

And further more AOB is NOT the deciding factor in whether or not you will have a 90-degree hit on your target at time of impact. You can have a 90-degree hit with any reasonable AOB depending on firing position at torpedo launch. The beauty of the Target Data Computer (which was also used by the US subs) is that the torpedos had the ability to change direction up to 90 to 100-degrees immediately after firing. This was quite an improvement from the WWI vintage u-boats and torpedos which required an almost straight shot.

And this ability for the torpedo to change direction after firing was the reason u-boats could target multiple ships and rapidly fire from the same position. Once they determined convoy speed and AOB to the first target and fired, they could simply rotate the scope to the other targets and have just as precise aiming. Note: the only exception to this is if they rotated the scope to 180-degrees to fire the stern tube at ship behind them; the AOB changes 180 degrees (from port to starboard or visa versa).

So, unless you want to be a cowboy from Texas, try to estimate the speed and AOB (port or starboard) and then put the crosshairs on your target. You'll be able to hit targets at greater distance depending on the accuracy of your speed and AOB estimates. So, if you're going for realism, this is what they did in real life.

I hope this explanation is helpful.

[Heibges]

But when don't we have lots of time to setup on a target?

Basically, it is only when being charged by an escort in less than perfect visibility.