Ideal range for convoy torpedo attack in GWX v.1.03

Hello all Kaleuns ,

This is perhaps the most complicated question in GWX gameplay.What is going to be the ideal range for convoy torpedo attack in GWX?

Let's mention all aspects you have to deal with when attacking large convoys in GWX:

1.Favourable attack position.That usually means that your boat is traversing the route of convoy.The biggest problem here is that it's extremely difficult to pick up traversing position at the "theoretically" ideal range for torpedo attack-800 or 1000 meters.Convoy escorts do use very sophisticated escorting tactics in GWX and it's nearly impossible to turn on "Ahead Full" on "Rig for Silent Running" without chance of being compromised.Fast propulsation is cruicially needed on such short distances while attacking convoys,as if your and convoys angle speed is big enough - the convoy will eventually escape,at least you will not be able to turn into zero gyro angles for torpedo launches.

2.Stealth.It's quite difficult to perform approach maneuvering and stay stealthy being at short distance to the convoy-your periscope maybe spotted,or your U-Boat maybe picked up on sonar by destroyers.

3.Ability to engage multiple targets rapidly.Well,everything here still depends on the angle speed,being at short range you will not be able to turn into zero gyro angles,running at "Rig for Silent" and maintaining 2 knot speed.Speed difference is too big - 2 knots for your U-Boat,and 5-7 knots for the convoy.So,practically you can launch torpedoes upon one ship only being at such short range-ships will start zig zagging after the first torpedo hit and you cannot afford yourself enough speed to start attacking other ships due to stealth requirements.

Of course,you can have absolutely ideal conditions for convoy attack in GWX - ideal traversing approach at 800 meters from convoy,night without moonlight,escorts far away etc. - but this is more exception,than a rule.

According to my personal observations,best results are achieved firing at greater ranges.For example,yesterday I caught up the Large Convoy South East of Rockall Bank.There was daytime - 1-00 PM,little stormy sea,bright sunshine and perfect visibility.I was approaching the convoy at ideal traverse (90 degrees) but distance to more or less valuable ships was about 3 - 4 km.I turned on "Rig For Silent Running",set on "Full Speed" for TI-G7A torpedoes in my Type IXB U-123 and maneuvered towards a group of Large Merchants,those were ideally positioned for my attack.I engaged two of them from 3 kilometers,third was fired upon being 4 km from my position.And you know what?Those three Large Merchants were sunk during 4 minutes as they were hit almost simultaneously (I am playing with fast reload ) and I got 35 000 tonnage within those 4 minutes.Moreover,I started crash diving after "Torpedo Impact" reports still running on silent mode,and never was picked up on sonar by destroyers.I dived down to 220 meters and gradually escaped.

Generally speaking,I think that the same convoy can be shadowed and attacked numerous times if you use a Type IX boat in GWX.So I would like to ask everybody,when is "The Alarm" is actually cancelled within a convoy after first attack?I mean when do all ships start returning into formation?

I always use only gas/steam powered TI-G7A torpedoes.I think only those high speed fishes allow you to make long range marksmanship in GWX.And,as I said before,all convoy attacks are most successfull at over 2000 meters distances as you can match and maintain all necessary criterias for a successfull attack:good angle speed for hitting multiple targets,keeping "Silent Running" for your U-Boat stealth,having enough gap between you and destroyers for safe escape.

So,Kaleuns,I would like to ask you all,what do you do if you spot a large convoy?Wait for the most "theoretically" favourable conditions or engage at a chance,if conditions are more or less favourable.

I will be glad to read all your comments and answers.

Good Hunting to all Kriegsmarine Grey Wolves