What triggers surface attack of subs?

[Full Moon]

Last night one of my subs stupidly did surface attack on a tranport TF which didn't have DD escort and exchanged shells. One AK got one Torpedo and 6 shells and sunk and my sub got 8 shells and almost sunk. (got 54 sys damage and 34 flt) Does anybody know what triggers subs to do surface attacks on armed freighters? Do they only do it when they run out of torpedoes or they simply misjudged the AK didn't have ability to shell them? Does it anything to do with the sub captain's ability and aggresiveness?

[Mr.Frag]

It seems to be related to time of day (much more likely to use guns at night) and related to escorts being there.

Not really sure though.

The only defense (which will vanish with the patch) is multiple subs in the TF to increase the number of guns.

The large transports have pretty big guns and will take on a destroyer, forget about a poor little submarine.

[rcwkent]

How's this for a stupid pet trick.


---------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 09/08/42

Weather: Overcast

Sub attack near Russell Islands at 35,39

Japanese Ships
AG 105, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Peto, Shell hits 5, on fire
------------------------------------------------------------

The Peto suffered 37 flt gamage too.

[Mr.Frag]

Whats the skill level of your sub? 1?

AG's have a 25mm x2 or a 13.2 x1 depending on which size.

Thats just pathetic.

Your 4in/Mk50 could have stood off at range and laid waste to the barge. Must have gotten a surprise roll for the barge that started it at very close range at night and we all know about the wonderful night fighting skills of Japan.

[HawaiiFive-O]

No, rcwkent's results are typical. No special rolls involved.

I just got another sub wrecked and heading back to Pearl in a PBEM game to the dreaded IJN ASW Barge.

I try to move them out of the path of the oncoming barges, but I'm beginning to suspect my opponent is trying to run over my subs with his barges.

He's knocked out of commission 5 S-Boats and 1 Fleet Boat with barges thus far.

I really wish I could tell my subs not to bother with barges, because these combat results, while typical, are ridiculous.

[Mr.Frag]

Too bad there is no US Sub restriction option eh? Thats a golden rule for Japan when you really think about it. At least Japan dies fighting worthy things, not a couple of planks of wood and some guys with paddles

[Mike_B20]

I am wondering about the Japanese submarine doctrine.
Maybe I just misunderstand what it was about.

The following site has histories of most WW2 IJN subs.
Reading through the histories, the number of attacks against merchants seems to vastly outnumber the attacks on warships.

Makes for great reading.

http://www.combinedfleet.com/kaigun.htm