Whats with the aft tubes?

perisher · 05-01-07, 09:44 AM

I seriously doubt that a submarine ever went astern except when manoeuvring in harbour, all ships are difficult to handle going astern and I would imagine that depth keeping going astern was next to impossible. I read something abourt this recently but I can't find it right now.

When I use my stern tubes, I approach on a parallel track to my target(s), when I am ready I turn sharply away and increase speed, as my firing angle comes on I slow the boat, centre the rudder and fire. If I want to evade I put the rudder back on, go to flank and dive, once under 200 ft I cut to 1/3, rig for silent and make a 90 degree turn.

Having said that, on my last patrol I got target fixation and ended up too close for the bow shot, so I went under my target and took him with the stern tubes.

SteamWake · 05-01-07, 09:49 AM

Youd be better off flooding the ballast tanks and charge foward.

AhhhFresh · 05-01-07, 10:01 AM

It's because convoy's zig-zag, and any competent zig-zag pattern should be very difficult to predict exactly even after plotting their course for hours. They could get their base course and be pretty certain where they were going to pass, but to set up to ensure a forward torpedo shot meant that you were risking getting "caught in left field" if they zigged away from you on your firing leg.

Subs got into position so that regardless of the final zig they would have a minimum range shot from either from the bow or stern. That is, that if that zig was to port or starboard it wouldn't make much of a difference.

EDIT: I should note that I've never seen anything other than a very basic zig zag pattern in SHIV, so it's somewhat moot... unless it gets sophisticated in the latter part of the war, which I have yet to play.

7Enigma · 05-01-07, 10:27 AM

So can anyone comment on the noise issue with moving in reverse compared to foreward? (ie things like cavitation, increased turbulence, etc.)

jetthelooter · 05-01-07, 10:39 AM

reverse was typically used on the surface for maneuvering not for underwater use as it used a LOT more energy to move the sub than moving forward and battery conservation was paramount. stern tubes were typically used for OMG!! WTF!! type of shot on destroyers that sneak up on the sub. they were also used for finishing shots on stubborn targets to save the bow shots. they were also used in nite surface attacks where the more powerful diesel engines could be employed for reverse maneuvering.

Sailor Steve · 05-01-07, 11:35 AM

Why aft tubes? Ten is better than six.

SteamWake · 05-01-07, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sailor Steve

Why aft tubes? Ten is better than six.

Would boat balance also be a factor ?

deamyont · 05-01-07, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sailor Steve

Why aft tubes? Ten is better than six.

If you only have time to fire those at the front, (check previous post) wouldnt it be better to have all torpedoes stored at the front?

05-01-07, 09:44 AM	#1
perisher Frogman Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: England Posts: 300 Downloads: 15 Uploads: 0	I seriously doubt that a submarine ever went astern except when manoeuvring in harbour, all ships are difficult to handle going astern and I would imagine that depth keeping going astern was next to impossible. I read something abourt this recently but I can't find it right now. When I use my stern tubes, I approach on a parallel track to my target(s), when I am ready I turn sharply away and increase speed, as my firing angle comes on I slow the boat, centre the rudder and fire. If I want to evade I put the rudder back on, go to flank and dive, once under 200 ft I cut to 1/3, rig for silent and make a 90 degree turn. Having said that, on my last patrol I got target fixation and ended up too close for the bow shot, so I went under my target and took him with the stern tubes. __________________ "Pitt was the greatest fool who ever lived to encourage a mode of war which they who commanded the seas did not want, and which, if successful, would deprive them of it." Earl St.Vincent (allegedly)

05-01-07, 11:35 AM	#6
Sailor Steve Eternal Patrol Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: High in the mountains of Utah Posts: 50,369 Downloads: 745 Uploads: 249	Why aft tubes? Ten is better than six. __________________ “Never do anything you can't take back.” —Rocky Russo

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05-01-07, 09:49 AM	#2
SteamWake Rear Admiral Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 13,224 Downloads: 5 Uploads: 0	Youd be better off flooding the ballast tanks and charge foward.

05-01-07, 10:01 AM	#3
AhhhFresh Mate Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 52 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	It's because convoy's zig-zag, and any competent zig-zag pattern should be very difficult to predict exactly even after plotting their course for hours. They could get their base course and be pretty certain where they were going to pass, but to set up to ensure a forward torpedo shot meant that you were risking getting "caught in left field" if they zigged away from you on your firing leg. Subs got into position so that regardless of the final zig they would have a minimum range shot from either from the bow or stern. That is, that if that zig was to port or starboard it wouldn't make much of a difference. EDIT: I should note that I've never seen anything other than a very basic zig zag pattern in SHIV, so it's somewhat moot... unless it gets sophisticated in the latter part of the war, which I have yet to play.

05-01-07, 10:27 AM	#4
7Enigma Helmsman Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 103 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	So can anyone comment on the noise issue with moving in reverse compared to foreward? (ie things like cavitation, increased turbulence, etc.)

05-01-07, 10:39 AM	#5
jetthelooter Watch Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 24 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	reverse was typically used on the surface for maneuvering not for underwater use as it used a LOT more energy to move the sub than moving forward and battery conservation was paramount. stern tubes were typically used for OMG!! WTF!! type of shot on destroyers that sneak up on the sub. they were also used for finishing shots on stubborn targets to save the bow shots. they were also used in nite surface attacks where the more powerful diesel engines could be employed for reverse maneuvering.