Wanted - Reading on Submarine Tactics

[Horns]

I was wondering if anyone here can recommend reading on submarine tactics. I'm particularly interested in search and evasion techniques, and if it's available, information on how to combine or move between them, for situations where one might be trying to evade ASW assets while seeking a particular target. I've got some books on naval tactics with more on the wish list and I've seen HLE's great list on Steam (https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/ ... 1919307269), but there's nothing I've seen that applies well to a submarine operating on its own (or maybe I'm just too thick to see it). If I've missed something on that list that does work well for a solo submarine please do point it out.

As always, help would be appreciated
H

[HalfLifeExpert]

I'm happy you enjoyed my guide!

I'm not aware of any particular texts, but you may want to refer to the manuals of Submarine simulators like 688i Hunter/Killer and Dangerous Waters as possible sources. If you want I'll see if I can track down any PDF sources of them if you don't have those games. I have physical copies of the manuals, but I can see if I have or can track down electronic copies

Other than that, I think the best way to approach would be to have a cohesive understanding of how Underwater warfare works, chiefly sonar, thermal layers, and convergence zones. Know the capabilties of your own sub and what your likely opponent's forces capabilties are.

Submarine warfare is a bit of an art, so there's not a whole lot out there (that's not classified ) to work off of, especially since there's been very little submarine combat since 1945, and only a single (confirmed) instance of a "Modern" submarine kill (one sub kills another while both are submerged), and it was done WITHOUT guided torpedoes: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinking_of_U-864

I don't think any texts on Submarine tactics from WWII may help a whole lot (unless we're talking about Early Cold War I scenarios) because the technology changed so much that the ASW escorts and find and kill you from much further out, but some subs can also kill their targets from far beyond the reach of ASW weapons. No real specific set of tactics may help you, I think it's better to just try and understand as much as you can about post-WW2 submarines.

[Horns]

I'm happy you enjoyed my guide!

I'm not aware of any particular texts, but you may want to refer to the manuals of Submarine simulators like 688i Hunter/Killer and Dangerous Waters as possible sources. If you want I'll see if I can track down any PDF sources of them if you don't have those games. I have physical copies of the manuals, but I can see if I have or can track down electronic copies

Other than that, I think the best way to approach would be to have a cohesive understanding of how Underwater warfare works, chiefly sonar, thermal layers, and convergence zones. Know the capabilties of your own sub and what your likely opponent's forces capabilties are.

Submarine warfare is a bit of an art, so there's not a whole lot out there (that's not classified ) to work off of, especially since there's been very little submarine combat since 1945, and only a single (confirmed) instance of a "Modern" submarine kill (one sub kills another while both are submerged), and it was done WITHOUT guided torpedoes: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinking_of_U-864

I don't think any texts on Submarine tactics from WWII may help a whole lot (unless we're talking about Early Cold War I scenarios) because the technology changed so much that the ASW escorts and find and kill you from much further out, but some subs can also kill their targets from far beyond the reach of ASW weapons. No real specific set of tactics may help you, I think it's better to just try and understand as much as you can about post-WW2 submarines.

Before I found your guide I was about ready to give up on learning about the maritime domain. I hope people here and on the discord server know to point people to it when they ask for reading material.

It does seem like submarine tactics are unaddressed in unclassified literature, and my honorary security clearance seems to be lost in the mail (lol). As suggested I will turn my attention to cultivating an understanding of submarines themselves and their operating environment. Thanks for the help

[HalfLifeExpert]

I've taken the liberty of cutting out from the Dangerous Waters and 688i PDF manuals (which have hundreds of pages) and give you just the sections on how sonar and such works.

Some of the text will of course be specific to those sims, but you can read between the lines as lot of the principles and definitions still apply in Command

[Horns]

I've taken the liberty of cutting out from the Dangerous Waters and 688i PDF manuals (which have hundreds of pages) and give you just the sections on how sonar and such works.

Some of the text will of course be specific to those sims, but you can read between the lines as lot of the principles and definitions still apply in Command

That’s awesome, thank you so much! Hope I can return the favor sometime.

[ExNusquam]

Submarine warfare is a bit of an art, so there's not a whole lot out there (that's not classified ) to work off of, especially since there's been very little submarine combat since 1945, and only a single (confirmed) instance of a "Modern" submarine kill (one sub kills another while both are submerged), and it was done WITHOUT guided torpedoes: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinking_of_U-864

I'd actually disagree with that statement - TASW is one of the most scientific heavy domains, since everything is done by some kind of sensor. There is a significant emphasis on using tactical decision aids to ensure optimal sensor performance (and reduced counter-detection performance), positioning, etc. These tools all require detailed knowledge about the operating environment, your own platforms, and the adversary's platforms.

If you want to start, some easy reading is the RED BOOK, written for players of Sub Commander (the game between 688i and Dangerous Waters), about how to employ the 688-class effectively. https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/downlo ... le&id=5187

If you want to get more complex, you can start looking at things like search theory and doing the math to determine required search zones, for both static and moving targets. I regularly play with an excel file that lets me calculate Pd for various patrol area sizes, and tailor accordingly.

[Horns]

Submarine warfare is a bit of an art, so there's not a whole lot out there (that's not classified ) to work off of, especially since there's been very little submarine combat since 1945, and only a single (confirmed) instance of a "Modern" submarine kill (one sub kills another while both are submerged), and it was done WITHOUT guided torpedoes: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinking_of_U-864

I'd actually disagree with that statement - TASW is one of the most scientific heavy domains, since everything is done by some kind of sensor. There is a significant emphasis on using tactical decision aids to ensure optimal sensor performance (and reduced counter-detection performance), positioning, etc. These tools all require detailed knowledge about the operating environment, your own platforms, and the adversary's platforms.

If you want to start, some easy reading is the RED BOOK, written for players of Sub Commander (the game between 688i and Dangerous Waters), about how to employ the 688-class effectively. https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/downlo ... le&id=5187

If you want to get more complex, you can start looking at things like search theory and doing the math to determine required search zones, for both static and moving targets. I regularly play with an excel file that lets me calculate Pd for various patrol area sizes, and tailor accordingly.

Much appreciated, I downloaded the Red Book and will read it directly. Will no doubt take a closer look at SubSim too. Thanks again.