observation scope??

[derstosstrupp]

The head was larger, allowing better light transmission, so my understanding is that it was used in lower light conditions, bright nights and maybe a darker dawn/dusk, but not on a dark night. The attack scope was only used during the day, and by some accounts during brighter dawn/dusk.

What’s interesting is that in most newsreels you see attacks happening from the observation scope, particularly Topp, but I think that goes to Fifi’s point, the lack of space in the tower for filming, as well as confidentiality. The Standsehrohr attack scope was a phenomenal piece of equipment. I have seen footage of the skippers turning around on the attack scope, but not very often.

As far as the optics and reticles are concerned, substantially the same as the attack scope.

Good detail here:
http://tvre.org/en/aiming-with-the-periscope

[John Pancoast]

Originally Posted by derstosstrupp

The head was larger, allowing better light transmission, so my understanding is that it was used in lower light conditions, bright nights and maybe a darker dawn/dusk, but not on a dark night. The attack scope was only used during the day, and by some accounts during brighter dawn/dusk.

What’s interesting is that in most newsreels you see attacks happening from the observation scope, particularly Topp, but I think that goes to Fifi’s point, the lack of space in the tower for filming, as well as confidentiality. The Standsehrohr attack scope was a phenomenal piece of equipment. I have seen footage of the skippers turning around on the attack scope, but not very often.

As far as the optics and reticles are concerned, substantially the same as the attack scope.

Good detail here:
http://tvre.org/en/aiming-with-the-periscope

Yes, I'd bet the newsreel/photo shots of a skipper attacking from an observation scope were more for dramatic affect, more light and room available for the camera, etc.

[John Pancoast]

Well, found this gem from Wolfgang Luth at u-boat archive's patrol reports in 1941.

"21.59 Four-shot on tanker: Range = 3000 meters, target angle 80°, speed = 9 knots.
M i s s e d s h o t !
Can only be explained by an underestimation of the range through the periscope with the full moon. (emphasis mine). The tanker was first found again in the periscope late, because it had zigzagged away from the boat.
Apparently he was again on his old course and so had increased the range to the boat.
After 10 minutes a torpedo detonation was heard. End of run detonation was presumed.
22.27 Surfaced, pursued.
24.00 CE 9598 ESE 2-3, bright moonlit night

02.12.41 60 nm south of the Azores
04.00 CE 9689 The moon set in an hour, a half hour afterwards the dawn begins. In this period the surface shots must fall."

So I guess that answers the question about scope attacks at night.