Magnetic torpedo question

[desirableroasted]

Originally Posted by bookworm_020

If you set the torp to run 1.5 to 1.8 meters below the kheel on mag settings and fire your torpedo at no less than 220 meters for a stern shot (with no more than 30 degress off the stern) you have a good chance of a hit in rough weather.

If the taget is coming toward you, 300 meters is the min range to shoot at if your have any chance of a hit.

Sorry, comrade, but your advice is rubbish.

He has to consider four variables: 1) his angle on the target, 2) target speed, 3) torpedo speed and 4) torpedo arming range. All affect the mathematical calculation to determine when to fire.

For example, HMS Hood coming straight at him is making 25 knts, or 12.88 meters a second.

A T1 fired at high speed will make 44 knts, or 22.6 m/s. Thus, the T1 needs 13.27 seconds to arm (300 m).

To be armed under his target point under Hood, however, he must consider how far Hood travels in 13.27 seconds -- and that is 171 meters.

A shot of anything less than 471 meters -- 500, really, given lags, itchy fingers -- is going to fail (or not explode where he wants).

Do the freaking math! Obviously, if your torp needs 300 meters to arm, it will not explode under your 300 meter target point if the target is moving toward you .

You can do the math yourself and realize that your 220m from behind rule is equally specious. From directly behind Hood, you could shoot at 150 and be right on the dime.

Now, change out Hood for a slow freighter. And set your T1 to "slow". All the numbers are different.

So let's not toss out "rules of thumb" like "no less than 220 meters from the stern" and "300 meters from the front" without doing a little work with the calculator.