Ducimas, another TMO sonar question.

[Daniel Prates]

Originally Posted by WernherVonTrapp

I don't know how it all works out in the game but, after reading Capt. Tameichi Hara's book, higher speeds made the sonar less effective. I don't recall the speeds referenced in his book but I do recall them being rather high when he mentioned that "there was little chance of detecting anything at that speed." 12 knots seemed to be acceptable, if not ideal, but (I think) 20 to 30+ knots was almost futile.
I'd have to go back and check the numbers to be sure.

I think this makes a lot of sense, specially because sonar at those days was pretty analogic (meaning, an actual GUY was there listening and sorting out what he was hearing). Background noise probably made a lot of influence, it is hard to imagine it otherwise.

As to what Escorts were doing when not in active mode, I am pretty sure there was a sonar operator there all the time - or mostly - listening. It would be interesting to ckech out what was the standard crewmen compliment in those day, and see if there were several 'funkmen'. If there were.. it is probably because they worked in shifts, hence, someone was listening to the ocean all the time.