Getting subs to shadow a TF/Convoy

[Rusty1961]

Am I missing something here? Is there some method of getting your Subs to shadow and track a convoy or TF if said subs has a greater speed than the TF in question?

The realism is so good in this game I find it hard to believe something like this isn't accounted for in the game. It happened all the time in the real war.

[Torplexed]

I'm thinking probably no. While subs did track convoys for short distances to conduct multiple attacks in one night this is probably accounted for in the way subs already attack in the game. I can't think of any US subs that tracked or shadowed a convoy any further than was needed to prosecute an attack. Most warship TFs would be too fast for a submarine to keep pace even on the surface.

[HansBolter]

It happens in game through the reaction mechanism. I have seen subs continue to react and follow a TF sniping off ships one after another. Like many game mechanisms it is under the control of the "tactical AI", not the player. You set your subs for the maximum 1 hex reaction range and occasionally it happens.

[Rusty1961]

"Sir, that big, fat slow convoy of AKLs is leaving our 40 mile patrol area, shall we follow them?"

"Negative, we have orders to stay here."

I think you get my point.

[:D]

[Don Bowen]

ORIGINAL: Rusty1961

"Sir, that big, fat slow convoy of AKLs is leaving our 40 mile patrol area, shall we follow them?"

"Negative, we have orders to stay here."

I think you get my point.

[:D]

That Naval Officers obeyed orders? Perhaps a reaction range...

[zzodr]

I think the CO's aggression level comes into the equation perhaps?
I have seen skippers chase TF using torps and guns and sink 3-4 ships over a few turns.
I recall they had high aggression levels: 75+

Then you get low aggression sub CO's:
"Skipper elects not to launch torpodoes at this target"

[Gertrude73]

I'm thinking probably no.

[Alfred]

ORIGINAL: zzodr

I think the CO's aggression level comes into the equation perhaps?
I have seen skippers chase TF using torps and guns and sink 3-4 ships over a few turns.
I recall they had high aggression levels: 75+

Then you get low aggression sub CO's:
"Skipper elects not to launch torpodoes at this target"

CO's aggression rating does not operate like that.

The CO's aggression rating affects how determinedly the vessel will prosecute an attack even against stronger opposition. A high level is more likely to see the sub come to the surface and use its guns.

What you have witnessed is merely a case of a sub with either a reaction range or a patrol route preset which allowed the sub to maintain contact with the enemy TF. Aggressiveness does not impact on spotting capablities.

Alfred

[Sardaukar]

As Alfred says.

And highly aggressive commander in sub that is low on crew experience is often prelude to disaster.

If wanting to micromanage, for subs, CO Naval skill is the most important. As with Allies, I use most aggressive skippers only in subs where crew exp is way over 60. But then they are lethal.