Towed array

[Flipper135]

Are the towed arrays active in the game? It appears they have been misplaced at Holy Loch and acceidently failed to be installed. Even int he LA class subs.

[Justicier10-7]

They are installed. There simply isn't a 3D representation of them yet because the physics were buggy and the devs wanted to do it right. Right now there are other priorities that trump the visual representation of the towed array, but after those priorities are met, I'm sure the devs will render it and I am confident it will look fantastic.

[Flipper135]

I was referring to the lack of the towed array in game all together.
I have noticed that I lose contact on a enemy once it has bassed my midship and my ability to dtect target behind me is almost non-existant.

[Justicier10-7]

In the '84 campaign it's definitely there and working. As toinkertoy stated, if you're going too fast, you'll lose the contact as it shifts into the baffles. Keep speed at about 5 knots for optimal towed array performance. The only other instance where the towed array will cease to function (other than being damaged) is if you're in shallow water. The towed array needs at least 200 feet below the keel to prevent it dragging on the seabed. As such, if it doesn't get that space, it will automatically retract and no longer function.

[Luckschaden]

Originally posted by Justicier:

In the '84 campaign it's definitely there and working. As toinkertoy stated, if you're going too fast, you'll lose the contact as it shifts into the baffles. Keep speed at about 5 knots for optimal towed array performance. The only other instance where the towed array will cease to function (other than being damaged) is if you're in shallow water. The towed array needs at least 200 feet below the keel to prevent it dragging on the seabed. As such, if it doesn't get that space, it will automatically retract and no longer function.

200 feet? That's more than I expected. Less groung hugging for me then.

What would be really helpful though is an indicator that tells you whether it is deployed or not.
How does it deal with tight turns and rapid depth changes?

[Justicier10-7]

Originally posted by Luckschaden:

What would be really helpful though is an indicator that tells you whether it is deployed or not.
How does it deal with tight turns and rapid depth changes?

Well, I think the devs haven't implemented an indicator because they intend to have the towed array visually represented with a 3d model... when that will occur is anyone's guess. Right now the best way to tell if it is deployed is by selecting a target, going to your sonar tab, then looking for "VLF LF Towed" under "Ownship" if that number is at a constant zero, then it's not functioning... for some reason... maybe you're going too fast, maybe its been retracted due to depth under keel, maybe it's damaged. If the number is changing... whether it be in the negative or in the positive, then the array is functioning (A positive number means the signal strength of the target you are tracking, negative number means the array is functional, but is not hearing the currently selected target.)

As far as tight turns and depth changes... in the real world rapid maneuvers could damage the array, but as far as I know, in-game, you could do whatever crazy maneuvering you want and it won't damage it. However, in order to perform such rapid maneuvers that may result in damage to the array, it would necessitate going too fast for the array to function well anyway due to prop wash... so it may as well be retracted at high speeds.

[Maverick]

Thanks for the info. It would be great, if the devs implement a manual deployment-method.

If I remeber well, in "Jane's Combat Simulations: 688(I) Hunter/Killer" e.g. there was at least an info, when the array(s) was deployed (retrieved) - maybe there was even a switch to deploy-retrieve the array (20 years are a long time, I can´t remember that well :)).

[Team Triss]

Originally posted by Maverick:

Thanks for the info. It would be great, if the devs implement a manual deployment-method.

If I remeber well, in "Jane's Combat Simulations: 688(I) Hunter/Killer" e.g. there was at least an info, when the array(s) was deployed (retrieved) - maybe there was even a switch to deploy-retrieve the array (20 years are a long time, I can´t remember that well :)).

Given they've implemented a new control scheme for your sub, they'll probably add towed array controls when they find an implementation they're happier with.

I'm pretty sure adding a model back in is on the to-do list.