What tactics do you use...

[Rosencrantz]

for the approach?
Let's say you spot a single smokecloud on horizon, in daytime?
What actions you would take to catch the loner?

-RC-

[bigboywooly]

All depends what time in the war, the weather conditions and how close I am to land as well as ships relative bearing and heading to me

Early war if weather permits will surface and deckgun if not too big a ship
If I can get the heading will try to outflank on surface at a decent distance away to avoid being spotted then try to move in at PD with a good AOB - but again if too close to air bases and in broad daylight will just try to shadow till nightfall
If they are closing will normally plot their course and try to get a 180AOB at PD - like to use stern when I can or end up with just those left when I need a bow

Theres a lot of factors as to why every attack is different

[Rosencrantz]

I meant just how do you carry on your approach...
I mean, like in the situation I mentioned, do you have some basic rules how to get closer. Like I prefer to use OAC with high speed - usually never get any problems to get ahead or at least reach the target. Not even the fast ones like task groups.

-RC-

[Mooncatt]

i normally run kinda parrallel to target at flank speed to get in front of it, once enough in front i make a 90 degree turn to intercept i then dive periscope depth and by the time im 1000m away the target is ready for a shot easy works with all targets no matter what

[Rosencrantz]

To mooncat:

But you don't know target's exact course fm long distance, right? So how do you find the proper parallel course?



-RC-

[Puster Bill]

Originally Posted by Rosencrantz

To mooncat:

But you don't know target's exact course fm long distance, right? So how do you find the proper parallel course?



-RC-

I think I can answer that. Put your bow right on the target, and increase speed to full (no need to go flank at this point). Wait a while, and see which way he drifts, port or starboard. Don't get too close though. Reduce speed if necessary.

For example, if are heading due East when he is on your bow, then he drifts a bit to starboard, he is heading somewhat South. Contrarily, if he drifts to port to there is a northern component to his heading. If he stays directly on your bow after several minutes, you are either on the same or the reciprocal course.

Lets say that after a few minutes he drifts 10 degrees to port. Swing your bow 20 degrees port, then see what happens. Adjust course and speed as necessary.

Once you get close enough, you can get the course by taking two marks on him (separated by three and a quarter minutes to get speed), from them you can get the exact course, and plan accordingly.

[U-104]

Originally Posted by mooncatt

i normally run kinda parrallel to target at flank speed to get in front of it, once enough in front i make a 90 degree turn to intercept i then dive periscope depth and by the time im 1000m away the target is ready for a shot easy works with all targets no matter what

[Mooncatt]

yes this tac works even at long range because the target doesnt usually change course. the tip using 2 marks and then drawing a line through is also very good but you dont really need to be so accurate, just estimate really and your crew will pick the target up again once youve made your 90 turn and heading torwards your estimated intercept point, if you run at full speed you will nearly always end up in front of the target and have lots of time to set up ya eels and do whatever you want

[Henry Wood]

Originally Posted by Rosencrantz

for the approach?
Let's say you spot a single smokecloud on horizon, in daytime?
What actions you would take to catch the loner?

-RC-

As I am still in my trusty Type IIA, I make a little prayer that the loner is heading towards me because chasing is just so difficult.

[Rosencrantz]

H. Wood wrote:

As I am still in my trusty Type IIA, I make a little prayer that the loner is heading towards me because chasing is just so difficult.

Give a try for OAC. You'll be surprised.


-RC-