intercept target solutions ? geometrical method ?

[MantiBrutalis]

If I don't want to do that whole geometric calculation, I just guesstimate:

I check the target's heading and speed (slow for 6 knots, medium for 9 knots). I multiply the speed by 2 - the target will do 12 km per hour when travelling at 6 knots, 18 km/h at 9 knots, etc. (In reality it will take the target a tiny bit longer, but at least you will arrive before it does)

And then you guess. I would guess for example I can intercept in 4 hours. I make the target plot for 48 kms (4x12km/h). I plot my course to that point, full ahead, wait for the speed to catch up... and then check the map, as it will tell you when are you going to get there. If I can't make it in 4 hours, I increase the target's distance, if less then 4, I can decrease it.

That's my lazy procedure. But for targets really far away it may be better to learn the geometry thing. It's not that hard and it's the most precise way.

[UKönig]

And when you get into the area where you think the contact might be, dive to take a listen on the hydrophones. Sounds travel farther underwater than the eye can see from the low lying bridge of the U-boat.

Radar may also be useful here, depending on several factors, but when in doubt, dive.

[sublynx]

Mark I Eyeball will do nicely. No need to learn the geometrical stuff if it doesn't feel right.

On the other hand the one time I survived until late 1943 I began to feel sorry I had not paid more attention to navigation techniques. The airplanes and radar kept making convoy shadowing quite an effort. If I had known how to calculate approaches exactly I could have minimized the time I had to be surfaced and I could have minimized the risk of being out of position if the convoy made a zigzag. A botched approach with radar and escort carriers around can force one to spend an extra day near the convoy with its airplanes, while surfaced. I'm now trying to learn the techniques that might help me keep my boat from harm's way, if only for a few hours or a day.

[Pisces]

One thing for sure, the TDC doesn't help you finding the intercept course to the target. Only if you strap yourself to a torpedo and hold your breath for as long as needed.

[Tupolev]

While the TDC basically computes a lead angle intercept, its limited to solving with only 3 speeds: 30kts, 40kts, 44kts. Even if you were able to input a correct AOB (which itself would take solving an equation or navmap plotting) and target speed, the lead angle provided wouldn't be accurate as the U-boat isn't making 30kts+.

There are a few GUI mods out there that provide a simulated attack-disk (can't remember the real name of it) and directions on how to use it to solve for the intercept angle and course. However, I've found it more expedient to just do the drawing on the navmap. YMMV.

T

torpedo speed + speed of target = angle of fire.

[Pisces]

Originally Posted by sENoZ

torpedo speed + speed of target = angle of fire.

Not sure how you mean that, but it isn't as simple as an addition of knots.