Damn we're out of fuel

[Torps]

Originally Posted by Kirby_TFS

I know that going full or flank is a fuel eater, but is going 1/3 also bad? I guess my real question is what is the best surface speed. I make alot of patrols going and returning at 1/3 and I do have fuel problems. Maybe I'm going too slow! Also when you are at all stop we still hear the diesel running. I assume that it is also using fuel when at all stop?

Back in HS a long time ago, I interviewed a WWII Submariner. He said
you get the best range in a Gato class sub by traveling between 11.25 knots and 8.0 knots. He mentioned your range depends on the water currents direction and wave height, wind speed and sub displacement. They had figured out how to manipulate/calculate and be able to extend there range by an additional 1500 knotical miles if they had to. Dont ask me about the formula I have no idea. Overall the best speed during calm weather was 9.8 knots to 10.2 depending on the subs displacement at the time.