Convoy Escorts tech research

[MiKye200]

Looking at research options for "Escorts" and "Naval " and reading the descriptions of the tech benefits, there are various techs that seem to apply to both Convoy Escorts and CL and DD as part of normal fleet operations.

Which techs are specifically intended to maximize Convoy Escorts effectiveness and reduce damage to convoys?

In my current game, I've been researching "Naval" techs under "Sea Lane Defence", to get to "Commerce Defence" in that tree.
Also, in the "Escorts" reearch page, I've been aiming for "Small Ships Radar" and Small Ships ASW".

Even getting those techs, my convoy casualties have been very high, so not sure what is going on.

[GIJoe597]

High convoy losses are historical and to be expected early on in the war. Playing as the UK I always start convoy production on day one.

I suggest the following tech to consider in addition to what you list above;

Spotting
Destroyer Escort Role


I also keep DD engines as advanced as possible. I am not certain it makes a difference in sub warfare.


Again, your best bet is to get out there and clear those sea lanes.

[MiKye200]

Thanks for the reply.

I've stopped trading with the U.S.(including the precious 12 IC of lend lease) until I get a few sub hunter fleets organized. Luckily, I concentrated on building huge stockpiles of resources early on.

Playing Australia, I don't have access to CVEs as I'm specializing research in infantry tech and some convoy defence tech. I haven't seen CVEs listed under license builds, but I did just negotiate a license build of four destroyers with the U.S.; it would have taken me 300 days to build my own designs, but it only takes me 200 days to build the U.S. destroyers.
Seems better to license build everything that one is not specializing research in.

Can I rebase Destroyer fleets at a U.S. base in the middle of the Pacific, where the Japanese subs have been sinking my convoys?

If I send fleets of destroyers out to hunt the subs(using Patrol), will the subs just sink the Destroyers like they are sinking the convoy escorts?

[GIJoe597]

You may rebase any unit to an allies base. DD's are very effective against SS's, particulary when you have high ASW tech. If you can get some planes close enough to attack subs that is also good. NAV of course are best, TAC is ok, MR if nothing else.


By the way, what version and expansions, if any, do you have? It has been many years since I played anything but Their Finest Hour, as such, this all applies to HOI with all three expansions.

[MiKye200]

I'm pllaying HOI 3:Their Finest Hour v4.02

Campaign is "The Road to War", starting 1936.

[GIJoe597]

All right v4.02 is the one I have also.