Advice please

[sergei]

Some really good stuff in this thread.
Thanks Randomizer and derrinurban

[RConch]

Originally Posted by sergei

Some really good stuff in this thread.
Thanks Randomizer and derrinurban

I will second that!!

Great stuff Captains.

[Jimbuna]

There is also a relevant section in the GWX3.0 manual.

[Hitman]

Bad weather should also be an ally, as radar will theoretically work worser with higher waves. But keeping a small silhouette is in any case key to get undetected. If you have FATs and LUTs you can try shots at 3000-4000 metres range with many chances of hitting something, and it can still work even in mid to late war (Not all escorts have always the most up to date equipment). All you need is a reasonable distance estimation to the convoy and then programming correctly the torpedo to zig-zag. The main problem is evading, because once you give away your position all the hell breaks loose. I would recommend shooting, then turning the boat around with full rudder in the opposite direction the convoy is moving (If convoy is moving to the right of your bow, hit left full rudder) and heading away at flank speed in diagonal, so their speed is added to yours but you keep showing only the narrowest silhouette (Your stern). When you hear the impacts, crash dive, rig for silent running or even full stop. And pray they have not pinpointed you before submerging.

Actually I would disagree that bad weather is a friend late in the war. Since all of your surface sensors are inferior to most fitted on escorts and aircraft you are forced to close the range, increasing the risk of being acquired and making evasion that much more difficult.

Long range and FATs can equal success and as Hitman writes, 3-4000 metre shots become the norm.

Bad weather does reduce air contacts and while that is certainly a big plus I am not convinced that SH3 models surface radar clutter judging by the ease a schnorkel mast seems to be detected in high seas. Am willing to be proved wrong here, it just does not jive with my experiances to date. Without surface clutter effects, high seas or overcast accent your weaknesses because waves slow you down and clouds delay visual discovery of aircraft that might have radars your electronics might be unable to detect.

After late 1943 I give up thinking and acting a hunter and take on the attributes and attitude of a slightly mobile minefield. Stay hidden and park in a spot where targets are likely to pass through. Prey should come to you or else it gets away since in all areas except passive hydrophones a U-Boat is at a huge disadvantage late in the war.

[Flopper]

@derrinurbin:

Having NEVER had a successful convoy attack (I'm always under attack before I can get a shot off), I'm really happy to read about methods I have not tried. Thanks!

Just got into Lorient from patrol d. 1. november 1941.

Radar, and Escort experiences of late.

The escorts have moved out to the limits of visibility from the convoys of late. This means that one can NOT hold visible contact with the merchants any longer. (They're finaly getting smart.) Side escorts have been operating between 5000 and 7000 meters out.

All lead escorts of late, seem to have radar. Particularly Clemson Class Destroyers!
My bridge watch don't see them coming. It is gereraly I who spot them coming at about 2000 meters. They have to know I'm there, as they are coming bow on at VERY HIGH SPEED.

These ex-US Destroyers HAVE to be fitted with Radar.
There is no other possible explanation, and it's happenned too often to be coinsidental.

Night Surface Attacks are no longer a good idé.
Aircraft aren't a common thing Mid-Atlantic yet, so "frequent" long range hydrophone checks can be used as an aid.

Trying to put oneself in a position where the convoy will "trip over you" is the only hope.

Once the sky fills with aircraft, in many cases, you'll either be in the right place at the right time, or you won't.

I also concur that poor visibility is no longer youre friend.
My boat just got jumped in BF42. (Recharging battery at night - medium fog.)
The first word I got was, "We're under attack, sir!"
He had to have had Radar tyed into his Fire Control.
Good thing he decided to use it beyond our visual range. Otherwise we would have been rammed.
My IXC did manage to get down with the ASW vessel still at medium range, per my hydrophone operator.

[Doolar]

i'm with Flopper ... no luck with large convoys ... i get too far ahead then they change directions on me and then I'm out of postiion ... or I get detected ... the tips above are just what the doctor ordered ... THANX ALL ! It's still early in the war for me ( May 1940 ) , but as I progress , I'll need to learn these skills .... Jerry

[pickinthebanjo]

Originally Posted by Snestorm

All lead escorts of late, seem to have radar. Particularly Clemson Class Destroyers!
I spot them coming at about 2000 meters, they are coming bow on at VERY HIGH SPEED.

Trying to put oneself in a position where the convoy will "trip over you" is the only hope.

I was wondering how well those destroyers dodge torpedoes when in attack run?

Also thats the tactic that I use to intercept convoys, how well does it work in the later years? when I know im in there path I cut engines and run silent.