Sonar Available. Worth it?

sharkbit · 10-15-08, 07:36 AM

Completed my 7th patrol with U-66 in April '42. While gearing up for my 8th, I see that sonar is available to purchase for my IXC at a cost of 500 renown points. I decided to forgo it on this patrol, but i thought I'd ask fellow Kaleuns:

Is it worth it?

I haven't seen many threads. I did a search and found a couple older threads that were some help, but I was just wondering if anyone had any fresh input.

Thanks.

Letum · 10-15-08, 09:33 AM

It depends on your play style.

If you do your manual plotting on the map from multiple bearing/range readings
and you find your self attacking underwater most of the time, then sonar does give
you first class range readings when submerged. If you can use the hydrophones
well, then the sonar will allow you to attack without the periscope more easily.

Kipparikalle · 10-15-08, 09:54 AM

Are you able to detect mines with it?

CCIP · 10-15-08, 10:04 AM

Play-wise, yes, it's helpful - it's a good way to get accurate range on your targets. That's all it will allow you to do, no more no less.

Realistically, I usually avoid it since the Germans didn't generally use the sonar during the war :p

It's only of limited value anyway. Unless you're really feeling like you need those accurate range readings.

Kipparikalle · 10-15-08, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dietrich

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kipparikalle

Are you able to detect mines with it?

No. Sorry.

But it was possible in real life, yes?

Steeltrap · 10-15-08, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kipparikalle

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dietrich

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kipparikalle

Are you able to detect mines with it?

No. Sorry.

But it was possible in real life, yes?

AFAIK, it was possible only with sonar specifically designed for this purpose. The USA developed such a set late in the war for minesweepers, then adapted for use in their subs - the FM sonar.

'Stardard' sonar was not effective against mines, I believe.

onelifecrisis · 10-15-08, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Letum

It depends on your play style.

If you do your manual plotting on the map from multiple bearing/range readings
and you find your self attacking underwater most of the time, then sonar does give
you first class range readings when submerged. If you can use the hydrophones
well, then the sonar will allow you to attack without the periscope more easily.

^
What he said.

Letum · 10-15-08, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onelifecrisis

Quote:

Originally Posted by Letum

It depends on your play style.

If you do your manual plotting on the map from multiple bearing/range readings
and you find your self attacking underwater most of the time, then sonar does give
you first class range readings when submerged. If you can use the hydrophones
well, then the sonar will allow you to attack without the periscope more easily.

^
What he said.

Puster Bill · 10-16-08, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Letum

Quote:

Originally Posted by onelifecrisis

Quote:

Originally Posted by Letum

It depends on your play style.

If you do your manual plotting on the map from multiple bearing/range readings
and you find your self attacking underwater most of the time, then sonar does give
you first class range readings when submerged. If you can use the hydrophones
well, then the sonar will allow you to attack without the periscope more easily.

^
What he said.

Ditto.

I actually get it because it does allow you to get good ranges when conditions might not be conducive to getting accurate visual ranges.

10-15-08, 07:36 AM	#1
sharkbit The Old Man Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 1,529 Downloads: 334 Uploads: 0	Sonar Available. Worth it? Completed my 7th patrol with U-66 in April '42. While gearing up for my 8th, I see that sonar is available to purchase for my IXC at a cost of 500 renown points. I decided to forgo it on this patrol, but i thought I'd ask fellow Kaleuns: Is it worth it? I haven't seen many threads. I did a search and found a couple older threads that were some help, but I was just wondering if anyone had any fresh input. Thanks. __________________ “Prejudice is blind. There will always be someone who says you aren’t welcome at the table. Stop apologizing for who you are and using all your energy trying to change their minds. Yes, you will lose friends, maybe even family. But you will gain your self-respect. You will know your worth. Once you have that, nothing can stop you.”

10-15-08, 09:33 AM	#2
Letum Navy Seal Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: York - UK Posts: 6,079 Downloads: 43 Uploads: 0	It depends on your play style. If you do your manual plotting on the map from multiple bearing/range readings and you find your self attacking underwater most of the time, then sonar does give you first class range readings when submerged. If you can use the hydrophones well, then the sonar will allow you to attack without the periscope more easily. __________________

10-15-08, 10:04 AM	#4
CCIP Navy Seal Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Waterloo, Canada Posts: 8,700 Downloads: 29 Uploads: 2	Play-wise, yes, it's helpful - it's a good way to get accurate range on your targets. That's all it will allow you to do, no more no less. Realistically, I usually avoid it since the Germans didn't generally use the sonar during the war :p It's only of limited value anyway. Unless you're really feeling like you need those accurate range readings. __________________ There are only forty people in the world and five of them are hamburgers. -Don Van Vliet (aka Captain Beefheart)

10-15-08, 09:54 AM	#3
Kipparikalle Samurai Navy Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Finland Posts: 580 Downloads: 2 Uploads: 0	Are you able to detect mines with it?