Manual targeting help :)

squigian · 02-22-07, 02:45 PM

I have a crude but effective method for hitting ships. I use the 3:15 method for discerning my target's speed first (e.g. 6kts). Then, I compare it to my torpedo's speed (e.g. 30kts). Finally, I position myself perpendicular to the ship's course, at a distance under 1,000m away, preferably. Divide the torpedo speed by the target speed to get the ratio, in this case 5:1. This means that for every 5 metres the torpedo travels, the target will have moved 1 metre. So, if you are a kilometre away, you lead your target by 200m. I try to avoid attempting anything other than near 90-degree shots - if I am forced to do otherwise, I have made a mistake in position myself. Gets rid of the annoying maths too.

Corsair · 02-22-07, 03:02 PM

Once you are on a course 90° from your target it's pretty easy.
I don't use the notepad, prefer to input data directly into the dials. (I use 6 dials simfeeling mod so have the dials in the scope/uzo views)
Get your target speed using any method (I usually use the 3'15" when possible). Having your scope/uzo on 0° bearing, input 90° AOB port or starboard following the direction your target travels, input speed and estimated distance (precise distance is not important) Reset your TDC to auto. Turn your scope left or right to read 000 gyroangle. Open your selected tube(s) doors - very important. Once the desired hit place of your target crosses your scope/uzo croshair, shoot...

CaptainAsh · 02-22-07, 04:37 PM

Heibges's method has some draw back though...

For the speed calculation you need to match the speed of your target on his own course. Actualy if you have some enemy's activities around it s not that simple... expecialy if your target is moving 8 knots or more...

Then for the range calculation you need to be at his perpendicular. The projected lenght is the actual lenght only at the perpendicular. That s why we used height actualy

without the contact update on nav map (which is giving you the real range automaticaly actualy), having an accurate range is THE central piece... with range and bearing at two times, you have heading and speed. Still you need to get that damn range

.

Don t forget, the close you are, the less inacuracy is important. The range of your shot should not be determined by your shot, nor by the chance to be spoted before firing but by the time the escort will need to be on you

Heibges · 02-22-07, 05:54 PM

Matching speed method is good up to 17 knots depending on the top speed of your uboat. For sure, you only want to use this on the surface because you will really deplete your batteries trying to use it submerged at flank speed.

MILS method useful at all AOB's not just perpendicular. You need columns in your range chart for each AOB. I just have so much subsim experience that I always end up in the perpendicular position so I have never bothered.

For example.

A ship that measures 10mils 90°, would only measure 6mils at 45° AOB.

To give a modern example, a T-72 Soviet MBT is about 2.5 mils at 2000m perpendicular, but about 1.7 mils at 2000m at a 45° angle.

This shows how SH3 is very realistic. Another reason why uboat tonnage was reduced as the Uboats were forced below the surface is that it is much easier to collect fire control data (speed, range, and AOB) surfaced than when you are submerged.

It is much easier and more precise to spend an hour on the surface getting the speed through matching speed as opposed to the 3.15 minute method. In heavy seas and/or fog you might not have much more than 3 minutes of total visibility.

scalelokt · 02-24-07, 01:37 PM

Great responses, thanks guys!! I have been doing full manual targeting without the notepad and having great results! As always, thanks for the help!

02-22-07, 03:02 PM	#2
Corsair Ace of the Deep Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Toulouse France Posts: 1,140 Downloads: 51 Uploads: 0	Once you are on a course 90° from your target it's pretty easy. I don't use the notepad, prefer to input data directly into the dials. (I use 6 dials simfeeling mod so have the dials in the scope/uzo views) Get your target speed using any method (I usually use the 3'15" when possible). Having your scope/uzo on 0° bearing, input 90° AOB port or starboard following the direction your target travels, input speed and estimated distance (precise distance is not important) Reset your TDC to auto. Turn your scope left or right to read 000 gyroangle. Open your selected tube(s) doors - very important. Once the desired hit place of your target crosses your scope/uzo croshair, shoot... __________________ NYGM 3.4A / Living SH3 V5.1 + SH3 Commander

02-22-07, 05:54 PM	#4
Heibges Sea Lord Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: San Francisco, California Posts: 1,633 Downloads: 1 Uploads: 0	Matching speed method is good up to 17 knots depending on the top speed of your uboat. For sure, you only want to use this on the surface because you will really deplete your batteries trying to use it submerged at flank speed. MILS method useful at all AOB's not just perpendicular. You need columns in your range chart for each AOB. I just have so much subsim experience that I always end up in the perpendicular position so I have never bothered. For example. A ship that measures 10mils 90°, would only measure 6mils at 45° AOB. To give a modern example, a T-72 Soviet MBT is about 2.5 mils at 2000m perpendicular, but about 1.7 mils at 2000m at a 45° angle. This shows how SH3 is very realistic. Another reason why uboat tonnage was reduced as the Uboats were forced below the surface is that it is much easier to collect fire control data (speed, range, and AOB) surfaced than when you are submerged. It is much easier and more precise to spend an hour on the surface getting the speed through matching speed as opposed to the 3.15 minute method. In heavy seas and/or fog you might not have much more than 3 minutes of total visibility. __________________ U.Kdt.Hdb B. I. 28) This possibility of using the hydrophone to help in detecting surface ships should, however, be restricted to those cases where the submarine is unavoidably compelled to stay below the surface. http://www.hackworth.com/

02-22-07, 02:45 PM	#1
squigian Helmsman Join Date: May 2006 Location: London, UK Posts: 107 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I have a crude but effective method for hitting ships. I use the 3:15 method for discerning my target's speed first (e.g. 6kts). Then, I compare it to my torpedo's speed (e.g. 30kts). Finally, I position myself perpendicular to the ship's course, at a distance under 1,000m away, preferably. Divide the torpedo speed by the target speed to get the ratio, in this case 5:1. This means that for every 5 metres the torpedo travels, the target will have moved 1 metre. So, if you are a kilometre away, you lead your target by 200m. I try to avoid attempting anything other than near 90-degree shots - if I am forced to do otherwise, I have made a mistake in position myself. Gets rid of the annoying maths too.

02-22-07, 04:37 PM	#3
CaptainAsh Machinist's Mate Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 128 Downloads: 12 Uploads: 0	Heibges's method has some draw back though... For the speed calculation you need to match the speed of your target on his own course. Actualy if you have some enemy's activities around it s not that simple... expecialy if your target is moving 8 knots or more... Then for the range calculation you need to be at his perpendicular. The projected lenght is the actual lenght only at the perpendicular. That s why we used height actualy without the contact update on nav map (which is giving you the real range automaticaly actualy), having an accurate range is THE central piece... with range and bearing at two times, you have heading and speed. Still you need to get that damn range . Don t forget, the close you are, the less inacuracy is important. The range of your shot should not be determined by your shot, nor by the chance to be spoted before firing but by the time the escort will need to be on you

02-24-07, 01:37 PM	#5
scalelokt Machinist's Mate Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: 400 meters to your right, calculating your speed Posts: 126 Downloads: 35 Uploads: 0	Great responses, thanks guys!! I have been doing full manual targeting without the notepad and having great results! As always, thanks for the help!