Does anyone play at max difficulty?

hardaport · 11-14-12, 09:04 PM

I haven't played without mab updates, but using basic geometry you should be able to get some idea. Eg. a merchant of any size will normally run at between 6 to 9 knots. This puts a target within a calculable range if at least 2 bearings are known, if you are stationary. If you totally lose a contact because you sit still for 5 minutes, you probably will never be able to intercept him anyway, so the steps to follow would be:

1. Get your first bearing.
2. Wait 5 minutes, and get your second bearing. Your hydrophone man will also tell you if the target is moving away or closing. If it's closing you will have more chance of making an intercept.
3. By plotting a min-max zone between the two bearings based on the likely speeds indicated above you will begin to get an idea of where he is possibly heading. That's about all you want to find out initially.
4. By moving to an anticipated spot where you can improve your intel, if the soundings get stronger and the bearings support your initial thoughts, you can then begin to firm up your estimates by moving quickly, stopping for a listen, and so forth. Eventually you should be able to get a visual on him and then correct your approach for attack.
5. By not having map updates you are simulating the real-life frustrations of real sub skippers of WWII. That's the downside. But if your educated guesses pay off, it would make a score much more satisfying.

I'll have to give my theory a try though to find out if this is all just BS!

11-14-12, 09:04 PM	#11
hardaport Watch Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 21 Downloads: 4 Uploads: 0	I haven't played without mab updates, but using basic geometry you should be able to get some idea. Eg. a merchant of any size will normally run at between 6 to 9 knots. This puts a target within a calculable range if at least 2 bearings are known, if you are stationary. If you totally lose a contact because you sit still for 5 minutes, you probably will never be able to intercept him anyway, so the steps to follow would be: 1. Get your first bearing. 2. Wait 5 minutes, and get your second bearing. Your hydrophone man will also tell you if the target is moving away or closing. If it's closing you will have more chance of making an intercept. 3. By plotting a min-max zone between the two bearings based on the likely speeds indicated above you will begin to get an idea of where he is possibly heading. That's about all you want to find out initially. 4. By moving to an anticipated spot where you can improve your intel, if the soundings get stronger and the bearings support your initial thoughts, you can then begin to firm up your estimates by moving quickly, stopping for a listen, and so forth. Eventually you should be able to get a visual on him and then correct your approach for attack. 5. By not having map updates you are simulating the real-life frustrations of real sub skippers of WWII. That's the downside. But if your educated guesses pay off, it would make a score much more satisfying. I'll have to give my theory a try though to find out if this is all just BS!