Tutorial Request? Zig Zaging attack approaches!

[Liszt_]

I'd like to make a request for a video tutorial or regular tutorial on approaches to zig zaging convoys.

More specifically I'm playing the Midway Quick Mission repeatedly and having a hell of a time hitting targetting. I mean, I'll get a hit where a stray torpedo hits some other random ship but never the ones I'm targetting. Mainly due to incorrect speed calculations and their constant zig zag course changes.

[M. Sarsfield]

I try to keep track of the maximum AOBs that the target(s) make and then take the average toget an average course/heading. For instance if the ship varies from a starboard AOB of 10 and a port AOB of 20, I'll enter a port AOB of 5 into the dial and keep note of the average course from then on.

I also use wider angle variations on the torpedo angle offset dial. If the target is approaching from my left, I'll vary the shots from say 5 degrees left to zero degrees. The variation largely depends on the distance to target, as well as the type of ship and its maneuverability.

Finally, I try to be as close to the target as possible and fire when the target reaches one of the AOB extremes. The theory is that it will be at about the average heading by the time the torpedoes reach the target. Usually I'll get at least one hit.

This approach requires regular bearing and distance updates to the TDC.

[Liszt_]

Originally Posted by M. Sarsfield

This approach requires regular bearing and distance updates to the TDC.

Which is near impossible since destroyers and cruisers are on you like rice on pudding as soon as they get close enough with their pinging.

[M. Sarsfield]

An alternate approach is to take two bearing/range measurements separated by several minutes. The speed and heading estimate from the crew will be close to the average heading and speed of the target. Even though the target is doing about 14 knots, the constant turning would be equivalent to a ship doing about 11 knots on a straight course.

Either method, the offset dial is your friend.

[Liszt_]

On the Midway Quick Mission they are basically bearing down on me from the N in a South East Southerly direction.

There is a large convoy surrounded by destroyers and battleships with carriers in the middle. I can see a smaller convoy lagging behind them.

Is it wiser to go in attacking this first large convoy or wait and pick off the small convoy lagging behind?

[M. Sarsfield]

If you can line up a good shot before being detected on a capital ship, go for it. If they are heading right at you, you need to dive deep and wait for the escorts to pass overhead.

Last night I came across a zig-zagging convoy with an auxilliary sub leading the formation. He detected my boat at about 1,600 yards and he wasn't even heading right at me. We had the motors off and were just waiting for the first freighter to get into firing position. The sub chaser didn't have any DCs, but he hung around for several hours until I finally rigged for silent running and then he gave up.

Despite the annoying fly buzzing around our hread, we sank two of the freighters. He tried shooting at our scope, but he kept missing.