whats your favorite way to calculate speed?

[Banquet]

Originally Posted by Powerthighs

While I understand all these ideas and how to use the TDC, what I have found challenging is being able to implement any of these methods and still have time for a shot. I can't imagine having a ship close enough to id, then having a full three minutes to calculate the speed (or having enough time to verify the accuracy of the PK settings), then finalizing the firing solution and getting off a few torpedos while the ship is still in optimal range.

It might be possible if you position yourself perfectly long before the convoy gets there, but I find that when I detect convoys visually, the DDs see me before I get close enough to be able get any kind of heading info on the convoy itself. If I'm submerged they don't see me but I don't have a chance at moving fast enough to get into position.

It is difficult.. I'm struggling too for the same reasons.. but one way around it is to make pass a periscope depth.. take a look at the general layout of the convoy, ship types, escorts and most importantly heading and speed of the convoy. Then increase distance.. come back to the surface and steam ahead of where you calculate (based on their heading and speed) they will be. You can then settle into a nice submerged position as they roll by. You should already have their speed, a good idea of AOB (set it for 90 degrees and hold fire till they hit that position) All you need to do is ID them again and get range.. Unless they change course.. in which case you're buggered! (been there, bought the T-shirt!)

[nattydread]

Originally Posted by Banquet

It is difficult.. I'm struggling too for the same reasons.. but one way around it is to make pass a periscope depth.. take a look at the general layout of the convoy, ship types, escorts and most importantly heading and speed of the convoy. Then increase distance.. come back to the surface and steam ahead of where you calculate (based on their heading and speed) they will be. You can then settle into a nice submerged position as they roll by. You should already have their speed, a good idea of AOB (set it for 90 degrees and hold fire till they hit that position) All you need to do is ID them again and get range.. Unless they change course.. in which case you're buggered! (been there, bought the T-shirt!)

Its hard to do execute end-arounds in a S-boat.

[LukeFF]

Originally Posted by nattydread

Its hard to do execute end-arounds in a S-boat.

It's essentially a WWI-era boat. Go figure...

[Banquet]

Originally Posted by nattydread

Its hard to do execute end-arounds in a S-boat.

It goes faster than most merchants.. it will take longer but it's do-able

[Onkel Neal]

Originally Posted by nattydread

Its hard to do execute end-arounds in a S-boat.

And it should be! Guess that makes the pressure and suspense even greater.

[sea enemy]

From the book Wahoo by R.H. O'Kane:
"Two more fish were on their way to hit amidships and under her bow, all in an elapsed of 15 seconds.
Buckley reported, "All hot, straight and normal," but I could see the faint, blue smoke of our last torpedo
heading towards, not leading the enemy. They would all miss astern. We fired another torpedo with the destroyer's
speed on the TDC increased to 18 knots, but now alerted, she turned away just in time..."

They had the same problems in the real thing, too....Missing a DD at point blank range because of a 5 knot speed TDC entry error.