Silent Torpedo Launch

[padi]

Is it possible to conduct a silent torpedo launch? Even if I set the torp at only 30 knots and set it to passive targeting mode it is detected immediately after the launch. Are there any tricks to hit targets without being detected by escorting warships?

[Mike Abberton]

Unfortunately, I don't think the game or any of the mods model "swim out" torpedo launches.

I suppose it might be possible to do so since I believe the TIW alert is a flag in the database of some sort. The caveat being it would be an all or nothing type of edit. I think if you disabled the TIW alert for a torpedo, then it would never cause a TIW alert regardless of actual launch conditions.

[Pisces]

I've noticed firing below the layer helps in hiding a torpedo launch from surface contacts. Setting the launch parameters such that the search depth is above the layer, it only goes above when the run to enable is passed and starts searching. Sometimes the contact responds by maneuvering or accelerating before the torpedo hits enable range. So there is likely some range at which the torpedo is detected anyway, despite the layer.

[FPSchazly]

Originally Posted by Pisces

I've noticed firing below the layer helps in hiding a torpedo launch from surface contacts. Setting the launch parameters such that the search depth is above the layer, it only goes above when the run to enable is passed and starts searching. Sometimes the contact responds by maneuvering or accelerating before the torpedo hits enable range. So there is likely some range at which the torpedo is detected anyway, despite the layer.

All good advice! And yes, once it gets within a certain range, the layer doesn't really "exist" anymore (the critical angle), it will still distort the absolute direction of the sound relative to vertical, as shown in this picture, but not necessarily the bearing of it. In my experience, its about 1.5 to 2 nautical miles (3000 - 4000 yards/meters)



(they show flashlights here but it's the same idea for sound, both are wave propagation)

The reason you're getting the torpedo in the water (TIW) is because torpedoes are launched with pressurized air (aka loud!). There may be some launching methods that currently exist or are in development that use magnetic force like a rail gun or roller coaster but none of that in stock Dangerous Waters, at least. As mentioned, there is no swim out option, even for UUVs, which should swim out.

[Pisces]

Dr.Sid once did some measurements and reported the beginning of shadow zones starting at around 5 nm. But that was with the FFG:

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=117814