How to intercept a convoy?

[frenema]

I am embarassed to admit that having played this game for almost a year and I still don't know the basics of approaching and attacking a convoy.

The main problems I face are:

1) Approaching a convoy: It seems that even though I am on a silent running or in a complete stop the escorts pick up my presence from kilometers away and start pinging me within minutes. I read some materials about avoiding destroyers and dog-leg approach, but I need a more elaborate explanations of it as I have trouble understanding the material.

2) Picking targets: Let's say I start with a good position (as in the last training exam). I usually get overwhelmed as to which ship(s) I should be targetting. I completed the training by using automatic targetting and destroyed the leading destroyer first before getting the rest with deck gun . I know that would never happen in a real game. So I was wondering how you choose your targets. I have few ideas, but I don't which is the 'right' one:
-Pick 1 or 2 juicy ones, fire slavo on them and evade.
-Try to get as many as possible by firing 1 torp per ship then evade.
-If you have a guidance system, fire in a general direction and hope for a hit.
-All of the above, use whatever is necessary depending on the situation.
-Other.

3) The last problem I have is how after the first hit the convoys start moving in zig-zag pattern making it impossible for me to go for another target. Am I supposed to fire all my torpedos so that they all hit approximately at the same time?

Also, just for a reference: I was wondering if anyone completed the torpedos and convoy training exams sucessfully in 100% realism setting.

Any help or suggestions will be appreciated, thanks.

[Von Manteuffel]

I'm not sure about the DEs finding you so easily. It's never happened to me, so I may just jave been lucky.

I always try to adopt the same method of intercepting a convoy - plot it's track; get well ahead and wait at periscope depth and silent running just off the track and at right angles to it. Then wait. Minimal use of the periscope is also advisable during daylight - just a few quick views to identify targets.

As far as what to fire at is concerned I never waste ordnance on the escorts. If it's a mixed convoy with no really "juicy" targets I fire 4 in quick succession plumb centre at 4 different targets; then dive and evade.

If there's a valuable target in the convoy - e.g. a large tanker - I usually let it have 2 torpedoes, set at a depth to run under any ships which may cross the torpedo's path. ( I always use impact fuses )

And yes, the best way is to do a quick calculation and fire torpedoes so that they hit their targets as close to simultaneously as possible. Often this can be as simple as "furthest first, nearest last"

If you're using a mix of the old steam driven torpedoes and others, to get them to run at the same speed as the electric ones set their speed to "S" (Slow)

Best of luck.

[Brag]

What version are you playing?

On approaching a convoy, make sure your conning tower is not popping out of the water (broaching). what speed do you use (it shouldn't be more than 2 knots).

As far as selcting targets: I pick myself two nice ones if conditions are favorable and send two torpeoes each. Then dive deep.

If you haven't done so already, visit my kielman website where you will find articles on convoy attack and other interesting subjects.

Good hunting

[JoeCorrado]

My method is to get ahead of the convoy and to place myself in a good position for insertion. Ahead and to one side of the convoy, close enough (but not foolishly close) that I can sit quietly and await the passing of the lead escort with engines at idle and at a depth that I know my conning tower will not broach the waves. The current yaer has much to do with how close, is too close. Detection abilities increase as the war goes on.

Once the lead escort passes by I proceed rigged for silent running and at very slow (manually selected at 2 knots) speed, moving toward the convoy at an angle of about 30 degrees from their heading. This allows for a good angle to fire and also allows sufficient room to avoid the less vakuable outer ships. The most valuable prizes will be located in the middle of the convoy and not on the edges.

I raise and lower the periscope for brief periods during the approach (never at more than 1x TC) and will choose two or maybe three of the choicest targets. The targets selected are based upon value, location in convoy, having a clear shot at a reasonable angle (sometimes traffic can be a problem) and weather conditions.

In calm, clear conditions I will use magnetic triggers since the damage inflicted is more effective and a single torpedo can sink or cripple a ship (leaving it helpless and awaiting your convenience) more often, in rough seas- I use impact instead. If using impact triggers I target just two ships and send two torpedos set for appropriate depths and at a 1.5 degree angle. Don't forget to use the "Q" key to open torpedo doors before firing.

After my initial salvo, I will immediately switch off of silent running to allow my crew (which I have fresh and at 100% capacity) a little time to reload a torp or two while under cover of the noise and confusion. I will also consider any targets of convenience for my rear torpedo. I will not wait or seek out a target, but will take a quick shot if one is there for the taking.

Do not become so consumed with your targets that you fail to keep close tbs on what is happening around you in terms of the escorts or any smaller ships that are nearby and who may decide to ram you if you are sited- or just happen to be in their path. If there is threat of immediate detection by passing ships or escorts be very vigilant and remember descretion is the better part of valor!. Usually you will have a few minutes grace before the escorts get turned around or are able to close. Use the time wisely.

it is just a matter of your skill and confidence in how far you push your luck but this has been a good strategy for me. My initial tagets either die quickly or are left helpless awaiting my next run. That is the key... you do not have to eat the whole elephant at one sitting. Take the best targets and then escape / evade and set up for your next attack.

Sometimes, in very bad weather- you must follow the convoy just out of site for a day or two until weather gives you the opportunity you are looking for. High waves and bad visibility are a bad combination. Smooth water and less than optimal visibility are your friends. You do present a smaller footprint than your prey so stealth is your best ally... use this strength, but be careful to not get stepped on in your eagerness.

[danurve]

Originally Posted by JoeCorrado

My method is to get ahead of the convoy and to place myself in a good position for insertion. Ahead and to one side of the convoy, close enough (but not foolishly close) that I can sit quietly and await the passing of the lead escort with engines at idle and at a depth that I know my conning tower will not broach the waves. The current yaer has much to do with how close, is too close. Detection abilities increase as the war goes on.

Once the lead escort passes by I proceed rigged for silent running and at very slow (manually selected at 2 knots) speed, moving toward the convoy at an angle of about 30 degrees from their heading. This allows for a good angle to fire and also allows sufficient room to avoid the less vakuable outer ships. The most valuable prizes will be located in the middle of the convoy and not on the edges...

Spot On.
Rest of the post was good to but I use a very similar method. Been picking out good tonnage and getting to depend on electrics, including the early homing eels. (They have on occasion gone off and blasted the wrong target.) And yeah escape/evasion mid `42 and on is getting tricky.
"The Brittish have stopped making mistakes."

[Jimbuna]

You'll get plenty of advice here....we were all in your position at some time or other