Is "locking on a target" really realistic? - Page 2

Wilcke · 10-07-08, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by breadcatcher101

How do you guys set up your spread shots? When I have 2 type ships I set my torpedoes to run about 3 feet under kneel. These settings will differ of course depending on the draft of the type ship. I click the torpedoes afterward and they reflect these settings except the spread angle which has gone back to zero. Do I have to set the spread angle as I fire?

I like to use 1 shot if possible to save my torp count unless I am attacking a convoy where I may not get a chance to use my deck gun or to use a followup shot. I just don't want all to hit the same spot. I work around the spread angle dial by adjusting the speed slightly which will work but does take a bit more time. When a escort is pinging me I want to get my shot(s) over with and go deep.

Am I leaving a step out in using the spread dial?

The spread setting in degrees plus left or right once set affects all the gyros in each torpedo unlike the depth setting. I do a lot of O' Kane shots so the spreads are a factor of time/ship movement. Its more of a situational/tactical thing when using the spread dial.

When using the spread dial you have to be very cognizant of range and do a bit more math. I degree at 500 yards is not a big deal but at 8000 yards its a whole backyard plus the barn.

Frankly, I just do not use the spread dial anymore. Its not about torpedoes anymore its about tactics. I guess what I am trying to say is you can historically try to duplicate what the USN tactics were at the outset of the sub war in the Pacific and then move on from there. Once the torpedo issues were resolved in '43, it was tactics and aggression that put torpedoes into targets and kept the subs from being sunk by the enemies ASW assets.

More folks will chime in with more info for you.

Happy Hunting!

doulos05 · 10-07-08, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wilcke

Frankly, I just do not use the spread dial anymore. Its not about torpedoes anymore its about tactics. I guess what I am trying to say is you can historically try to duplicate what the USN tactics were at the outset of the sub war in the Pacific and then move on from there. Once the torpedo issues were resolved in '43, it was tactics and aggression that put torpedoes into targets and kept the subs from being sunk by the enemies ASW assets.

Whoa! Wait, you don't use the speed dial? How does that work? Can you tell me what method you use?

Orion2012 · 10-07-08, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doulos05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wilcke

Frankly, I just do not use the spread dial anymore. Its not about torpedoes anymore its about tactics. I guess what I am trying to say is you can historically try to duplicate what the USN tactics were at the outset of the sub war in the Pacific and then move on from there. Once the torpedo issues were resolved in '43, it was tactics and aggression that put torpedoes into targets and kept the subs from being sunk by the enemies ASW assets.

Whoa! Wait, you don't use the speed dial? How does that work? Can you tell me what method you use?

You mean the spread dial, not speed?

If so it's a matter of firing as the desired impact point on the target "crosses the wire". As long as you have 90 degree AOB.

breadcatcher101 · 10-07-08, 03:03 PM

Yes, I was talking about the spread angle dial, not the speed. I keep the scope locked until after firing, not sure if you are suppose to. I just assume if all is perfect the torpedo will hit amidships. It would be nice to hit just aft of the center, though. On the large tankers they seem to have a spot just aft of the funnel that will result in their sinking. How to hit this spot is iffy with a lock amidships. You could either use the spread or lower the speed slightly. Either is tricky especially with a longer range.

Sailor Steve · 10-07-08, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PortsmouthProwler

Oh, I did mean "Red" Rampage - the very definition of courage under fire.

:rotfl:

Sorry to laugh, but my only point was that it was Ramage - no 'p'.

PortsmouthProwler · 10-07-08, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sailor Steve

Quote:

Originally Posted by PortsmouthProwler

Oh, I did mean "Red" Rampage - the very definition of courage under fire.

:rotfl:

Sorry to laugh, but my only point was that it was Ramage - no 'p'.

Yeah, I finally caught it myself - I do it all the time - sorry, Red!

Orion2012 · 10-09-08, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by breadcatcher101

Yes, I was talking about the spread angle dial, not the speed. I keep the scope locked until after firing, not sure if you are suppose to. I just assume if all is perfect the torpedo will hit amidships. It would be nice to hit just aft of the center, though. On the large tankers they seem to have a spot just aft of the funnel that will result in their sinking. How to hit this spot is iffy with a lock amidships. You could either use the spread or lower the speed slightly. Either is tricky especially with a longer range.

Like was stated, the spread dial is a thing of the past for me. Search for the Dick O' Kane targetting method and you'll see why some of us dont bother locking the scope because its a simple matter of finding your targets speed and true course.

If you wanna use the spread dial I would say one shot at 0 then one at 1/2-1 1/2 degrees left and right dependent on range to impact.

10-07-08, 03:03 PM	#19
breadcatcher101 Captain Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Southeastern USA Posts: 546 Downloads: 1 Uploads: 0	Yes, I was talking about the spread angle dial, not the speed. I keep the scope locked until after firing, not sure if you are suppose to. I just assume if all is perfect the torpedo will hit amidships. It would be nice to hit just aft of the center, though. On the large tankers they seem to have a spot just aft of the funnel that will result in their sinking. How to hit this spot is iffy with a lock amidships. You could either use the spread or lower the speed slightly. Either is tricky especially with a longer range.