2 replies to this topic

[Dave Franklin]

In both Gunnery and Torpedo combat, the hit modifiers are row shifts up/down on the tables. The question is more germane to the Torpedo table, but is it correct you can never shift off the table?For example, given a 4 torpedo spread of standard British torpedoes: On the third turn, the "danger zone" is from >8200 yards to 11000 yards. The table reads 1-4. If the Bow/Stern arc modifier applies, you would shift down one row, or off the table. Is it 1-4 to hit? Or since you shifted off the table, no chance to hit?Another example, given a 4 torpedo spread of standard British torpedoes fired at close range at a stationary target. The table reads 1-7. Even though you would shift up two rows (or off the table) for a stationary target, surely you would still hit on a 1-7? Of course the question here is why isn’t the chance to hit any better?

[William MacGillivray]

On a similar note, what happens when you shift the column left on the Mine & Torpedo Damage table for a 18 inch/aerial torpedo hitting a BA - BB target?

[Lonnie Gill]

The row shift aproach was employed for consistancy accross the charts. The basic accuracy determinant for torpedo attacks is the LoF of the torpedo spread rather than the TORPEDO CRT. Targets which are farther way are harder to intercept with the LoF, while targets bow or stern on are more difficult to intercept than a target broadside. Not hard to plot the LoF to intercept a stationary target. The TORPEDO CRT reflects relative probabilities for the number of torpedoes in the intercepting spread and the dispersion of the spread as the range increases. The possibilty of malfunctions and duds were always present in torpedo attacks in this period. Shifts UPare limited to the probabilities on the top row. Shifts DOWN can eliminate a chance to hit. The probability of a hit bow or stern on with a single torpedo or at extreme range is reduced to the point of improbability.If you feel this KISS approach doesn't reflect the small probability shifts, you can add or subtract from the D12 roll instead of shifting rows. Thus, you can subtract 2 for a roll against a stationary target, increasing the hit probability at even minimum range. Adding 1 to the D12 result for a target bow or stern on will reduce, but still provide a chance to hit at long range.Finally, column shifts LEFT on the MINE & TORPEDO DAMAGE table for smaller torpedoes are liminted to the left-most BA - B* column.