[ESPY]

I'm back in to SH4 after a long hiatus and working to refresh my memory and sharpen my skill set. Currently playing with map contacts on and leveraging the cheat it provides to use the sonar contact line to give approximate distance to target.

I'm playing early '42, pre-radar, and the most common contact situation is a sound contact long before visual range (often due to poor weather). Because I can approximate distance from the sonar line, I can easily plot a couple positions and get initial estimates of target course, speed, and AOB that allow me to maneuver into a good firing position. Note: I usually use the O'Kane firing method so I don't even need an actual range for my solution.

I'd like to turn map contacts off and I'm familiar with the various ways to determine range, but I'm curious if there are any methods to realistically track/plot a target and determine my intercept direction before knowing the range to target? In other words, I know how to get range once I'm close enough to ID or sonar ping. But prior to that, when all I have is a change in bearing and whether the target is closing or moving away, are there any specific techniques to estimate target heading so that you can then maneuver closer for actual measurements? Or is this simply where you have to use 'art' and 'intuition' to get into position?

Thanks,
ESPY

Generic Mod Enabler - v2.6.0.157
[C:\SH4\MODS]

1_TriggerMaru_Overhaul_2-5
RSRDC_TMO_V502
RSRDC_V5xx_Patch1
1.5_Optical Targeting Correction 031312 for RSRDCv502
1.5_OTC_Realistic Scopes for 16 to 9 RSRDCv502
Improved Ship Physics 2.6_TMO_RSRDC_OTC
OTC_ISP_Crew Mod
Improved Stock Environment_v3_TMO&RFB
RadioStationManager
Bigger Better Protractors
BATTLEFLAG_CONNING_TRITON_SS201