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Old 07-07-21, 07:52 AM   #1
SubSimTrooper
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Default Accounting for distance and AOB?

Hey all, I have a question that I cannot seem to find an answer to.

When calculating a target's speed (Length-meters / Time-seconds X 1.94), I've found that the results are consistently inaccurate when compared to the speed as listed on the tutorial's map view. Sometimes it's within that golden +/- 0.2kts but most of the time it's not.

So, I've been trying to figure out how to minimize these errors as much as possible.

All that said, and assuming my own speed is 0kts, I was curious if any of you know a way, when calculating the target's speed, to account-for: 1, my own distance from the target; and 2, the target's AOB?

For example, if an 150m tanker, at a 90-degree AOB, takes 50 seconds to cross my reticle from "tip to tip," then the formula-above results in 5.82kts. However, at a further distance, if the same ship with the same AOB take 30 seconds, then the formula spits out 9.7kts (a rather-massive difference of 3.88kts!).

Put another way, my distance from the target and its AOB will-necessarily alter the time it takes to cross my reticle. But, I have no idea how to account for either of these.

I've been searching high and low but have-yet to find (let alone figure out on my own) how this can be done. Thus, any help would be greatly appreciated!

(Edits for grammar and clarity.)
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Last edited by SubSimTrooper; 07-07-21 at 08:55 AM.
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Old 07-07-21, 12:07 PM   #2
Efshapo
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Well, first of all, if you want accuracy, the conversion factor is not 1.94 but 1.944.
Distance plays virtually no role.
If your speed is 0 or your bearing is 0 or 180, you don't need any correction, else you need to add or subtract own_speed * sin( bearing ).
If AOB is 90, you don't need correction, else your measure will probably be slower than actual target speed, due to hull width. Correction for that is hard to accurately compute though, due to hull shape.
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Old 07-07-21, 06:03 PM   #3
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Speed measurement when stationary on the surface is also subject to noise due to the U-boat slightly rocking on the waves. The stabilization of the periscope translates it into lateral motion that can easily mess up a speed read. For best results, do it while submerged at periscope depth.

For faster targets, there's another hurdle which is that it passes through the vertical post too quickly and the resulting speed calculation becomes noisy due to failure to record fractional seconds. To mitigate this, it's better to measure the speed while running parallel to the target at a known moderate speed (e.g. Half, which is normally 12.4-12.5 kts). If you measure the target speed as though it was stationary and then subtract your own speed from the result, you'll get a moderately reliable speed read on a fast target. I refer to this as the "differential" speed read.

If all else fails, you can play with the engine telegraph on a parallel course until you match the target speed to the dot. It takes longer to do well, but it works.

Lastly, Efshapo is right about hull width being a factor when measuring at angles that sufficiently deviate from the 90. In such circumstances, it's easy to underestimate the speed by a lot, up to approximately 2 kts at extreme angles.
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Old 07-07-21, 06:15 PM   #4
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After some very helpful feedback and questions from Efshapo and a couple other folks on Discord, it was also suggested that I provide some screencaps to illustrate the point better.

Long and short, the time from 'tip to tip' goes down as distance from target increases. In this case, the first result was 2.09kts and the second was 2.19. While both of these are within that +/- 0.2kts for long range shooting, it seems that the error only increases with distance and various AOBs.

The point is that, it seems that the further away from the target you are when speed is checked, the less-accurate the speed measurement is, with AOB only introducing further error. Thus, is there a way to account for these variables when using the length/distanceX1.944 formula?

Finally, I appreciate the additional input, gurudennis, thanks! I see that I'll need to go back at some point when I've more time and button-down some of these variables-further.
Attached Images
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File Type: jpg 20210707182354_1.jpg (94.9 KB, 11 views)
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Old 07-07-21, 07:02 PM   #5
Efshapo
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I think that's just because the farther the target is, the less pixels you see to determine when the wire is crossed. So the error should increase indeed.
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Old 08-07-21, 06:37 AM   #6
tmoncmm
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I agree with efshapo. The inaccuracy at range is due to the increased difficulty in determining when the ship crosses the reticle. It would be difficult to account for that because it would be very subjective and also change according to visibility conditions.

My method is to use a quick 3 bearing calculation to get a rough corse estimate and then set a corse that puts me within 10 or so degrees of approach. When I get to within about 6000m I turn to a parallel corse. I then find a ship with kingposts and use that to refine my corse estimation while also making a speed calculation with the UZO. From there I try to refine my corse and speed to keep the target at 90 or 270. I also estimate range using the height method. Once I’m satisfied I have an accurate solution, I’ll speed ahead and set up my attack.

The thing I like about my method is that your pretty much always gaining ground and approaching you attack position. It doesn’t take very long to match their speed so you’re only not gaining for 15 or so minutes before you’re running ahead again. You’re also not falling behind. Plus once you have their corse matched, you can go ahead and set your TDC AOB settings and the TDC will automatically update it as you change corse. By the time you reach your attack position, everything is set and ready to go. I find this method to be accurate enough for good success. Since range is not a huge factor within about 2000m, I find you can attack pretty much any target with success as long as you keep the gyro angel within about 15 degrees of 0.
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