USN Convoy Attacks

[Reinhard Dietz]

Originally Posted by KlassenT

That, sir, has always confounded me a bit. Is it historically accurate to have an independent per-tube depth control dial and a universal spread control dial? Always seemed to me that standardization would call for the same behavior on both dials, either both independent or both universal.

I'll readily confess that I'm used to the tube-by-tube setting ability in SHIII. I'm also not particularly pleased with the auto-TDC setting depth for me every time I select a target since I know a little something about USN torpedo depth patterns and am adjusting for it. If I didn't have to flip out of the target data page and reset the depth (if not the speed and pistol settings) constantly, I'd probably do a little better. For whatever reason, a torpedo attack in SHIV seems a lot more like spinning a bunch of plates on sticks all at once instead of the leisurely sniping on careful settings that I get away with in SHIII.

Originally Posted by NorthBeach

I'll assume you have speed and course plotted. (...) External booms and internal whoops should follow.

NorthBeach, I have enough trouble with a completely assisted attack; doing this with my aiming skills would be a larger disaster than it already is. Between the most excellent performance of Japanese naval propulsion and their remarkable maneuverability, about the only way I'll probably get a hit on this convoy is using a nuclear-tipped SS-N-19.

I'm currently very tempted to get a ship physics mod, either of the JREX or Webster variant. Anyone got opinions on either of those?

[NorthBeach]

@KlassenT- re firing depth. You're correct. The depth is sub-class specific. I've been in a Balao for so long I posted 149 without thinking.

@RD- Pre TMO I used Webster's mod with satisfaction.

[magic452]

You are attacking one of the most difficult convoys in the game if you are after the one I think you are. If so they have circled the wagons and there is no way to get close, the escorts are pretty good and the little troop ships are hard to hit.

The only really good shot you have is to wait till dark and shot from longer range or till they start moving again.

For auto targeting you do not need to lock on the target. When you lock on that sets the torpedo depth, but if you don't lock you can set the depth yourself. It's been a long time since I played auto but I think I remember it this way. But then....... lets just say I'm getting old.

Webster's physics mod works pretty good but has limits.
Might check out his GFO mod as well. These only work with stock 1.5

The difference between Fleetboats and U boats is in Fleetboats it starts out hard and gets eraser. U boats is the other way around.

Magic

[Armistead]

We all went through it, in time it'll be pie to you. If you're shooting from far away, shoot wider spreads. If I use the stad, once I get it set, I'll unlock and set a bearing in front of the ship and shoot at the juicy spots as they cross the wire. Basically if you shoot one in front far enough, he'll slow down for it to pass, but the next two coming shoud be more MOT and should hit him.

They can see torp trails easy in calm water, so if you don't feel safe getting closer in, may want to track until better conditions.

[Gibus]

Originally Posted by Reinhard Dietz

For whatever reason, a torpedo attack in SHIV seems a lot more like spinning a bunch of plates on sticks all at once instead of the leisurely sniping on careful settings that I get away with in SHIII.

Why must we always compare SH III and SH IV?
They are two different games that each have the pretension to be like history. However, German history is not American history.

[looney]

because both games are about submarine warfare during WW2.

[Reinhard Dietz]

Originally Posted by Gibus

Why must we always compare SH III and SH IV?
They are two different games that each have the pretension to be like history. However, German history is not American history.

Because there's an excellent chance that I'm doing something wrong when playing SHIV as opposed to SHIII---maybe someone else has been in the same situation and can say either "Yes, here's what to do" or "No, it doesn't work like that on a fleet boat". The feeling I get is that I'm fighting the UI more than I'm fighting the AI, if you take my meaning.

I am tempted to write to Admiral Lockwood (or his predecessor) and request that I be issued a Type IXB; it would make things easier.

[Bilge_Rat]

underwater hydrophone attacks were tried in dec. 41, but were quickly abandoned in favour of proper periscope attacks, since skippers realized they were useless.

night surface attacks did not become the norm until 44-45, using radar.

regarding the TDC, one nice thing about SH3/4 and 5 is that they simulate each nation's approach.

The US TDC was the first functioning fire control computer and was decades ahead of what other navies were using. The one in SH4 closely simulates the way the real TDC worked. Use it properly and it is an invaluable tool.

The Kriegsmarine aproach was much more manual based on estimates by the Kaleun. Both Sh3 and SH5 properly simulate this method. I personally prefer the way it is handled in SH5, but that is a matter of personal choice.