max speed of subchasers and destroyers

[tuizentfloot]

I like the ship recognition handbook. I explains i.a. why I was attacked by a CH at + 20 knots ( even reported a bug about it) . Why do these vessels have so high a max speed in this game? iIt should be possible to outrun their 16 kn while surfaced. Asashio has ok max speed, but very high cruise speed. Kagero and Yugumo have to high cruise and max speeds.

[Panic Ensues]

I did start the sub-chasers with their real-world max speed of 16 knots, but soon found that being "chased" by a chaser that you could easily outrun didn't add much to the game. :)

So I tried to give enemy hunters a top speed that would let them overtake you on the surface, but still give you time to evade and dive before they're on you.

[tuizentfloot]

I see your point. On the other hand these high speeds severely limit the subs options for surface action and limit also its evasive submerged action during the chaser's first approach.
I think putting their max speed around 20-22kn gives a bit more manoeuvering room/time to the sub and makes the difference chase/destroyer more interesting. As for the destroyers , i suppose you just wanted a destroyer, a still faster destroyezr and a superfast destroyer. Passed 80 hours of play and still enjoying it.

[Panic Ensues]

Thanks for the feedback! I'll play around with lowering the SC's top speed and see how it feels.
If you want to do the same:
1) Go to Options->Modding->Export CSV Files
2) Open the exported VehicleSpecs.csv
3) Uncomment (remove the leading "#") the lines for any ships you want to mess with, e.g. CH-13 and CH-28
4) Change the value in their "Max Speed" column. Keep in mind it's in meters/second, so you'll have to convert from knots.
5) Either relaunch the game, or if it's still running click "Reload Mod".

From now on, the speed values you entered will be used.

[OleGreyGhost]

I don't have that many hours in, but the enemy speeds are not that bad. If I remember correctly destroyers could reach 33-34 knots top speed.

IRL the subs didn't engage those types of ships on the surface.

I only did one war patrol & that was too conservative, focused too much on the side missions while bypassing nearby convoys.

Now, most of my tactics are hit & run. I only take on the destroyer & that has to be at 1000 yards or less. Take out mostly the big warships & run.

In my last two convoys:
I was able to hang around the first & take out all the transports using the dolphin technique. Did not engage the sub-chasers.

Second convoy was torpedoing a destroyer & 2 cargo ships. I was chased by 2 other destroyers & two sub chasers. Was able to outmaneuver them, pop up & take out a small tanker. Then skulked away to live & fight another day.

In the beginning I was suffering some damage & injuries. Not so much now that I have changed tactics. Just have to constantly monitor my depth.....

[tuizentfloot]

@panic ensues

CH-13,CH-13-Class Sub-Chaser,SC,Escort,0,♥♥♥,ShipSubChaser_No13,150,51,6.7,445,,10,7.2,2000,,,36,0,49,"Type 41 76mm AA Gun, 2 Type 93 AA guns, Type 95 depth charges"
CH-28,CH-28-Class Sub-Chaser,SC,Escort,1,♥♥♥,ShipSubChaser_No28,200,51,6.7,450,,12,9,2000,,,36,0,49,Upgrade from CH-13 with (fictional) dual AA guns

above the changes I made. reloading mods didn't chase original max speed ?

[tuizentfloot]

@OleGreyGhost
It was whilst trying out early war german style surface night attacks on convoys that I was surprised by a CH28 charging at 27-28 knots. It forced me down much earlier than i anticipated and thus spoiled the original attack plan. The difference in max speed should allow us to adapt our tactics. But over all you are right, don't mess with destroyers, and side missions must be considered as side missions, our main job is to sink merchant vessels.

[Panic Ensues]

@tuizentfloot
I tried your numbers in a mod file and they seemed to work correctly; CH-13's speed when attacking dropped from 21 to 19 kts.

I should mention that there is a concept of "War Emergency Power" in the game that allows ships to temporarily move at 125% their "Max Speed", but that's only used when rejoining a convoy, not to attack.

[tuizentfloot]

@panic ensues
ok, I'll try again. I did my tests in a custom game only containing 1 or 2 escorts, 0 other ships. maybe that also activates the 125%.

[tuizentfloot]

@panic ensues
Tried custom game with 2 ships and 2 escorts, with and without reloading mods. ch13 stays at 23 knots max speed. Is there a way of checking the active settings before launching a game?

[Panic Ensues]

You can check the ONI page (Help->Ship Recognition Handbook); that will reflect the updated max speed value.

If you would like me to take a look at your modded CSV file, you can email it to me at info <at> panicensuessoftware.com.

[tuizentfloot]

Ship recognition handbook still mentions 23 knots for CH13. Did send you the modded file.

[tuizentfloot]

Everything fine now, thanks for helping out.