The SS-N-27ASW: Evening the odds

[Molon Labe]

Veterans of Sub Command will recall that the SS-N-27 ASW was not all that effective. The Type-40 it dropped had a short acquisition range, and had to be delivered very accurately in order to find its target. It was also rather slow, barely over 40kts IIRC, which gave the target sub time to react. CM's were very effective, in fact any CM along the path between the weapon and its target was nearly guaranteed to break the lock. In the Seawolves league, we were trained to turn directly into the torp, drop a CM, and then turn behind it, repeatedly changing course. It worked like a charm.

What this all meant was that in SC, even though the Akula had ASROC capability and the SW/688's did not, the Akula could not use that advantage to dominate the game. In the Seawolves (and hopefully elsewhere), it has become clear that the changes in DW have tipped the scales sharply in favor of the Akula, because of the effectiveness of the new SS-N-27/type-40. To keep gameplay competitive, we need to develop tactics for US subs to use to nullify the -27.

First, of course, we need to be clear on exactly why the -27 is so much more effective in DW. I believe it has little to do with the weapon itself, but on changes elsewhere in the game.

1. Auto TMA: In SC, the auto TMA was rarely reliable enough to place a type-40 within acquisition range. Manual TMA was usually more accurate, and against a manuevering target it was a feat of skill to get a solution good enough for a type-40 acquisition. DW auto TMA is much, much better than SC aTMA. 2 bearing lines will be sufficient for weapon delievery in a majority of cases; a single TMA leg on lag LOS will be sufficient in nearly all cases pinpoint the enemy to deliver a bracket, or to land the torp too close for the enemy to have time to react.

2. Active sonar modeling: In SC, the torpedo acquisition ranges for all torpedoes were rather short (although some seemed to have greater range than others, at least in SCX). Acquisition ranges in DW seem to be double or more what they were in SC. This means that even a poor -27 shot can acquire the target and still be a threat. The increased speed of the weapon will quickly make up for the extra distance.

3. Weapon vs Sub performance: The weapon's speed has been increased from ~40kts to 65-70 knots, while the increase in sub speed has only been from 35 to 40 for the Seawolf. More importantly, turn rates have been significantly (and realisticly) reduced. This means that the sub has less time to react, and reacts more slowly to an attack.



Countertactic 1: Prevent the Akula from getting a firing solution

The best way to even the odds is to lock auto TMA off for sub v sub matches (In matches with FFG's, this may not be fair). Forcing manual TMA will decrease the accuracy of the -27, giving the target sub time to react and deploy CMs effectively.

American subs can also try to use their other advantages to compensate. The Seawolf is quieter than the Akulas, and both the 688 and Seawolf have more sensitive sonars. At low speeds, they will have a greater detection range than the Akulas will. So, American subs should always attempt to stay away from terrain that will allow an Akula get close enough for both subs to detect each other, and should maintain a low patrol speed when doing so. Once the Akula is detected at standoff range, the US sub should turn away immediately to prevent closing of range, and should fire first. Monitor the noise level of the target so that you know when it is safe to accelerate and clear datum (the akula will track the torps and fire a missile at the point of origin, so you will need to move).

If you are close enough to the target to be counterdetected, you need to anticipate a missile attack. Increase to tactical speed (the fastest you can go without washing out the sonar) and change course as frequently as possible. Consider firing your weapons before you have a solid solution, forcing him to evade--remember, the Akula's TA washes out at 8 knots--he cannot evade and track at the same time.

Countertactic 2: Prevent acquisition from the FRONT.
When the type-40 enters the water, it will first level out and come shallow, facing the same course it was fired on. It will then activate its sonar and turn RIGHT to search for a target. Take advantage of knowing which way the weapon turns. Note the presence of any neutrals around. Take a guess as to which direction the missile will be fired from, then position yourself so that a missile dropped in front of you will turn towards a neutral before it turns toward you. This could prevent a missile attack altogether against a cautious opponent. You should also prefer a course that takes you to the RIGHT of the Akula. This way, weapons dropped in front of you will turn away from you, giving you time to turn and drop your CM in its path.

Countertactic3: Stick to the shallows
The -27 usually plummets about 300ft/100m upon entry. The SW can reach tactical speeds in as little as 100ft of water. By hiding in water shallower than 300ft, the Akula will be forced to fire the weapons in deeper water, giving you time to react. Just be careful when evading since running aground is very easy to do once you kick up the speed.


I hope this advice helps players keep DW interesting for now. Hopefully SCS will take notice of these issues as well, and make appropriate adjustments for the next patch. If anyone has anything to add, please post a reply in this thread.

[Orm]

[A]s a Kilo driver, I encountered few times volley of SS-N-15/27s ASW and was able to escape them by hard manoeuvres, and of course by luck, but to recognize during this moments and to refute partly your remark about the lack of efficiency of the CMs, that they are working wonderfully against type-40 torpedoes.

[Molon Labe]

Originally Posted by Orm

And to say that as a Kilo driver, I encountered few times volley of SS-N-15/27s ASW and was able to escape them by hard manoeuvres, and of course by luck, but to recognize during this moments and to refute partly your remark about the lack of efficiency of the CMs, that they are working wonderfully against type-40 torpedoes.

I never said that CM's lacked efficiency.
In order for DW CM's to be used effectively, they must be placed between the torpedo and the target sub. Since the SS-N-27 ASW can deploy a torpedo close aboard to the front of the target submarine, a kill can be assured since the target submarine will not be able to turn quickly enough to deploy a CM between itself and the torpedo.

[MaHuJa]

About those dropped from the front: There's the '1' key - all back emergency. Sure, you'll lose any towed arrays you have deployed, but that's better than losing the ship... right?