6 replies to this topic

[Thomas Ruta]

Gentlemen,

 

Again, I would like to ask a question regarding night combat, for which I hope there is a simple answer.  Rule 1.12.5 says that starshells can be fired to illuminate contacts and targets.  Rule 1.12.3 says (radar) blips illuminated by starshells ... are automatically acquired.  My question is, if I detect, but not acquire, a radar contact in the Detection Phase, can I fire a starshell at it in the immediately following Gunnery Phase, automatically acquire it as a target, then immediately fire at it in the same Gunnery Phase?  The same question applies to searchlights.

 

Thanks,

 

Tom.

[W. Clark]

You still have to acquire the target in the detection phase and because the firing of star shell occurs after the detection phase that means you will acquire the target in the subsequent turn's detection phase. It takes another turn with torpedoes because the detection phase occurs after the plotting of torpedoes in a turn while the gunnery phase occurs after the detection phase. Markers for illumination and searchlights are placed during the detection phase and immediately become operational, so you acquire a target in the detection phase in which it was illuminated by search light or star shell.

 

There is a game turn sequence cheat sheet provided with the rules, and it spells out the sequence during a turn when things like contact and detedtion occur.

 

WMC

[Jim O'Neil]

Sounds like a word problem, In this case I would surmise DETECT and CONTACT are synonymous.  Likewise ACQUIRED and TARGET mean much the same thing in terms oof gunnery.

[W. Clark]

I agree. Detection or contact is done by radar while acquiring or targeting requires the ability to actually see the target.

 

WMC

[Jim O'Neil]

At least until Blind fire appears

[Thomas Ruta]

Gentlemen,

 

Very good.  Thanks for the clarification.  So, we should leave the starshell on the board through the Movement Phase and any ship moving through the 500 yd circle is illuminated and automatically acquired in the following Detection Phase?

 

Tom.

[Jim O'Neil]

Yes, although it could disappear again if you don't have visual acquisition after it leaves the illumination. Of course if it's burning when it leaves ...