Another Question About Manual Targeting

[Seminole]

Actually 2 really:

It seems the more or less accepted method/procedure is to take 2 range readings...lowering the periscope between the 2 range readings.

Fine...no problem...but what about the TBT? Can't lower that.....and ranges are vital pieces of data when using this device too...


...and...just what is the purpose of lowering the periscope between readings? I've read about this mandated action in several threads and tutorials but there has never been an explaination (at least I have not run across one) as to why this step is necessary. I understand the usefulness of doing so in avoiding detection but the authors of these pieces seem to feel it is a vital step in obtaining accurate ranges. (and I'm not trying to argue that it isn't.. please don't misunderstand)

Please clear this up if you can.

[LeeVanSpliff]

Not certain but I always assumed that the scope-lowering is just to not get spotted between the two readings. Can't see how it would have any effect on the result.

I disabled external view and I DO like staring at my targets so I rarely do it.

[Quillan]

The only purpose is to not be spotted between range readings. Personally, I make almost nothing but submerged attacks, but that's because I like to get in really close and you'll be spotted there even at night. Besides, I get my range readings from the radar, and almost never use the stadimeter at all.

[Mush Martin]

Yeah simple lack of detection.

when shooting outside 4000 yds
I just leave it up.

[Seminole]

Originally Posted by LeeVanSpliff

Can't see how it would have any effect on the result.

:hmm: ...me neither...but the implication is (was) there that lowering the scope and waiting before taking the second reading was a vital and necessary step for obtaining accurate ranges. Guess I was just reading too much into the directions.

Anywho...this relevation renders the TBT question a moot point.

Thanks guys...

[sharkbit]

I don't know if you have ever read Edward Beach's "Run Silent, Run Deep" and "Dust on the Sea", but he goes into a lot of detail during the approaches against a target.
The captain is always raising and lowering the periscope during an approach for the very reason talked about above-avoiding detection.

Both the books are fiction and are great reads, but Beach served on subs during WWII and he knows what he's talking about. IIRC, he served either on the Wahoo or the Tang before their loss.

I highly recommend the above books, along with the third one in the "trilogy"-"Cold is the Sea". The last is during the cold war, but with some of the characters from the first 2.

He's written some other books on submarines as well, but I have not had a chance to read any of them, yet.