Quote:
Originally Posted by Zero Niner
Hi Bubblehead
Thank you so much for taking the time for such a detailed reply. Yes, the DD was on patrol and I was trying to sneak into Saipan harbour to do some harbour raiding to use up my remaining few torps before heading back to Pearl. Didn't get to see what class DD it was though.
Was not aware of how the game simulates noise levels, so your sharing that the best way to hide is beneath the thermal layer, silent running, <100 rpm, is very welcome.
Still, it was strange that the AI seemed to know exactly where I was at all times, he kept hovering around the orange marker in cam view, and when I was at all stop he literally did 8's around the marker. Didn't drop any depth charges though... or maybe he was out?
Coincidentally the sub that I'm captaining now is also the USS Drum.
Speaking of which - do the enemy DD's have a limited supply of depth charges?
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No problem
Yes, RPM less than 100, ideally about 75-80 or ahead/back 1/3 when at silent running, sometimes I bump it up to 3 knots which is still under 100 RPM on fleetboats. Of course watch your instruments by the helm to make sure.
Speed bursts help also, when enemy is overhead, it masks your sound, so go ahead standard or full for 20-25 seconds during his pass, then slow to 1/3, the momentum will keep your boat moving at faster speed for some time. Use conservatively though, as can drain your battery fast. IF have the depth charge disturbance mod, your engines are masked by the noise of the depth charge explosions for a few moments.
Yes, they can run out of depth charges. The number they have varies from stock, to different mods. Thing is they are not done by x number of charges per ship, but its per launcher, so if ship has two DC racks and they are set to have 40 charges per rack, then they have 80 charges. Add in a Y gun or K Gun set to have 40 more etc, they have quite a few charges. That is pretty typical for a fleet type destroyer in TMO, sounds like a lot but they can burn through them quickly.
Then you have the dedicated escort vessels like the subchasers, esp later part of war, may have two racks with two, three, four, launchers, 50-80 charges each, then you put multiple escorts, they essentially have a unlimited number of depth charges. Something I plan to address in my next update for TMO is historically accurate number of depth charges and reload times for the launchers and racks.
Yes, it is possible the lone DD ran out of charges, but kept hunting and broadcasting your position., hoping for help from aircraft, other ships. I have experienced this before.
Far as how he stayed with you, as mentioned in my initial post, sounds like it was a number of factors, all working together.
Factors:
1. Your area, which as explained offers near ideal sonar conditions
2. Weather...i.e. calm seas.
3. Type of unit. Fleet type destroyer, so probably had best equipment for tracking.
4. Elite level crew, so sensitivity on all sensors heightened and operating at maximum proficiency. This means the thermal layer does not fool him the way it would a escort with lesser skills.
5.The visual fix he had on you when you surfaced, gave him a strong "scent" once you submerged again. Especially a big deal with dealing with skilled escorts.
6. This is a theory, I have not tested it fully, but 90 percent sure I am correct. In the sub files, there are electric engines, and "creep engines". Now, I asked and believe the creep engines, are a near silent version of the boats electric engines, that sub actually operates on when silent running is engaged which are utilized by your sub . These engines, listed in the files have hit points and thus can be damaged, like others. I believe when they are damaged, it simulates damage to your boats electric motors, and they are not as quiet as were prior to being damaged, which makes you easier to track. I have noticed heavy damage to a prop shaft seems to contribute in a similar manner as well. Now, the damage screen in game will show electric engine damage and have noticed that if my electrics get damaged, they have a easier time tracking me until repaired.
One patrol I lost two of my electric motors to close depth charge and others damage, the two damage were repaired but rest of patrol, even at depth, silent running, escorts seemed to track me. One I was approaching a convoy and normally can make high speed submerged runs at 300 feet to close the convoy track , slow and go to periscope depth to fire. Well, two attacks in a row, they heard me coming, even though was well below thermal layer, silent running and routinely use this method. So, it is possible, that aside from the other factors listed, your "invisible" silent drive was damaged and making noise. Your electrics may have been damaged as well. Unfortunately, all damage does not show up on the damage control screen. Theory for now, but would certainly explain it.
Adds up to a "perfect storm". Glad you survived. Curious, what was the max depth you went to ?
Nice! Drum, is my favorite WW II era fleetboat. I was raised about 60 miles (In Florida) from where she is a museum now, with the Battleship Alabama, in Mobile Bay, AL. When I was growing up, she was in the water moored behind the battleship. Unfortunately time and hurricanes necessitated she be removed from the water, so is landlocked now (Quite impressive how they did it actually. ) but still great to visit and have I visited the Drum more times than can count lol. When I was home visiting in August, went with a friend to visit, they were doing the living history drill that day, rather interesting. Man was it hot though lol esp down in the boat. Unfortunately, for first time ever, I was not able to go in the conning tower, apparently it has been closed since pandemic started.
Here is a link to Drum's official website, a lot of great information on the boat and photos. All of her war patrol reports are there as well.
https://www.drum228.org