How to learn about target data computing?

[maillemaker]

Are there any books or online references for training on how the TDC was actually used on German u-boats? I have pretty much got the hang of fixed-wire firing, and now I would like to learn how to shoot torpedoes from other u-boat positions other than 90 degrees.

Thanks,
Steve

[vergol]

I don't think you need historic literature on the subject to try non-90 methods.

The 90-degree method is the most reliable, primarily because you control the tactical situation. You overtake the ship/convoy, lie in wait, have sufficient time to make calculations (plus double-check), and the entire length of the ship is your margin of error in case you misjudge slightly.

If you don't have the tactical initiative for a 90-shot, then time is really your only enemy. Well.. that and the Allies.

Non-90 attacks don't involve different TDC knowledge; they just take quicker thinking, good grasp of your surroundings, a lot of balls, and some luck.

When you're comfortable enough not to second-guess yourself every time you turn a TDC dial, then feel free to experiment with more 'creative' attacks.

Good hunting!

[Paul Riley]

For anyone that doesnt already own it I strongly suggest you try and get hold of a copy of 'the u-boat commander's handbook' ,either from Amazon or you may be lucky to still find online copies.This is basically an instruction manual compiled by the uboat commanders themselves.It covers how the u-boat should be used,and how to perform specific shots under specific conditions,and also covers many other important aspects of u-boat warfare.
I was lucky to get a copy imported from USA at the time as stocks in Britain were dwindling fast,and in my opinion is indispensible to both the uboat researcher or u-boat gamer.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/U-Boat-Comma...0&sr=8-2-fkmr0

HURRY WHILE STOCKS LAST!

For those that cant get a copy this link is for an online document taken from the book,and may not be complete like the book is.However,it looks like it covers at least most areas.

http://www.hnsa.org/doc/uboat/index.htm

[maillemaker]

I don't think you need historic literature on the subject to try non-90 methods.

The 90-degree method is the most reliable, primarily because you control the tactical situation. You overtake the ship/convoy, lie in wait, have sufficient time to make calculations (plus double-check), and the entire length of the ship is your margin of error in case you misjudge slightly.

Well, when you read Iron Coffins, man it sounds like they were shooting from any which angle as they stumbled on ships in convoys.

With fixed wire, you basically have to aim the submarine. I'm certain that this is not necessary if you understand the range, speed, AoB and bearing.

I just don't understand how it all works together.

Steve

[Paul Riley]

If you are serious about SH3 and how it all works,or worked in real life then literature WILL be neccessary,as then you will be reading the very things the real commanders wrote,or contributed to.In this case,I REALLY recommend trying to get hold of a copy of the U-BCH (the link above).Inside it discusses in detail everything about uboat warfare and how it should be conducted.
SH3 after all is not a beat em up,it is a sub simulator and can be complex at times
Do a bit of research and take time to find documents in this forum,there is a tonne of data in here

[Capt. Morgan]

Originally Posted by maillemaker

Are there any books or online references for training on how the TDC was actually used on German u-boats? ... I would like to learn how to shoot torpedoes from other u-boat positions other than 90 degrees.
Steve

Here's Wazoo's manual plotting & targeting tutorial (Skip past the manual plotting for now unless you also want to take on learning to play with no map contacts).

3rdflotilla's video tutorial makes it all look easy. An excellent video!

This post has a lot of links that will help

Rockin' Robbins Vector analysis cheat card is a simple adaption of the fast-90 method, allowing you to shoot from any angle.

A 90 degree shot means the torpedo turns 90 degrees to strike the target.
What you're referring to as a "90 degree shot" is a simple bow on (or stern on shot).

A 90 degree shot is when you are on the same, or opposite, course as the target.
(Same course = bow tubes. Opposite course = stern tubes.)
Works well inside, and outside, convoys, and when a target is approaching too close.
(Note: Range is VERY important.

There's also a 45 degree shot, which I keep promising myself to try, but haven't gotten up the nerve yet.

[Paul Riley]

Originally Posted by Snestorm

A 90 degree shot means the torpedo turns 90 degrees to strike the target.
What you're referring to as a "90 degree shot" is a simple bow on (or stern on shot).

A 90 degree shot is when you are on the same, or opposite, course as the target.
(Same course = bow tubes. Opposite course = stern tubes.)
Works well inside, and outside, convoys, and when a target is approaching too close.
(Note: Range is VERY important.

There's also a 45 degree shot, which I keep promising myself to try, but haven't gotten up the nerve yet.

I performed a 60 degree (AOB from the target) angled shot on the surface at night yesterday,due to VERY strong winds coming in from the NE (just off Ireland).I set my UBoat up so I was in front of this wind,and the torpedo followed the wind trail perfectly.These sorts of angled shots I think are important in such conditions,because if I was on the other side facing the target the torpedo would have veered off course,or even slowed down passing the ship aft.
It worked a charm

Originally Posted by Paul Riley

I performed a 60 degree (AOB from the target) angled shot on the surface at night yesterday,due to VERY strong winds coming in from the NE (just off Ireland).I set my UBoat up so I was in front of this wind,and the torpedo followed the wind trail perfectly.These sorts of angled shots I think are important in such conditions,because if I was on the other side facing the target the torpedo would have veered off course,or even slowed down passing the ship aft.
It worked a charm

What was the TARGET'S ANGLE FROM YOU as calcutated at impact?
This is what determines the angle of the shot.

As for the above: Good job!

[Paul Riley]

Originally Posted by Snestorm

What was the TARGET'S ANGLE FROM YOU as calcutated at impact?
This is what determines the angle of the shot.

As for the above: Good job!

My UBoat was 60 degrees AOB on ITS starboard side,I opened fire at zero bearing,and the torpedo travelled towards its target with unnerving accuracy.I believe the strong wind helped push it into the ship from my current location.
As I said,if I was on the port side the torpedo would have probably slowed as it travelled IN to the wind.
I was also 1700 metres from the target.

Originally Posted by Paul Riley

I opened fire at zero bearing

That's a Bow On Shot.
A good one, none the less.

[Paul Riley]

Originally Posted by Snestorm

That's a Bow On Shot.
A good one, none the less.

But instead of being at 90 degrees from the ship this time I was at 60,something I rarely do,the torpedo still travelled at a slight angle.If I would have fired at say 350 or 340 the torpedo would have surely bounced off due to the angle the ship was coming at.So long as the target speed and range are correct there shouldnt be any problems

[Pisces]

Originally Posted by Paul Riley

...
As I said,if I was on the port side the torpedo would have probably slowed as it travelled IN to the wind. ...

Since when do torpedos get affected by wind?

[Capt. Morgan]

, & ?

[timmy41]

Read through the thread. That fast-90 card is pretty cool, I'll have to try that. Only just started playing a few weeks ago so im still messing around for fun a bunch, but trying to learn how to quickly calculate shots!