User Guide

PERISCOPE AND STADIMETER STATIONS
Periscopes on modern submarines are highly sophisticated pieces of equipment. Many subs carry
both a search periscope and a short-range attack periscope. Sub Command merges several
capabilities into a single periscope on each controllable submarine.
In addition to a Low Light Television (LLTV) which enhances your ability to see contacts at night, the
periscope also has an ESM sensor.This sensor is omni-directional and indicates the presence of
radar signals in the area as well as a general level of signal strength.
Visual contacts provide a wealth of information. Bearing is known immediately upon sighting.
Additional analyses of the contact with the Stadimeter can provide an accurate range to the target
as well as its classification. Used together the periscope and Stadimeter can provide the contact’s
bearing, range and course, three of the four elements needed for a target solution. You still need to
determine the contact’s speed. If you have classified the contact using the Stadimeter, you can
easily estimate the speed using the sonar’s DEMON function. See Ship Stations/Sonar/DEMON
SONAR Station on p. 77.
The Stadimeter Station is used to determine the range, course and classification of visual contacts.
Once you have taken a photo of the contact from the periscope, you can identify and classify the
contact with the Stadimeter.The Stadimeter can also be used to estimate a surface ship’s range.A
contact’s course can be determined by observing the target aspect or angle on the bow (AOB).
Since an exposed periscope generates a wake, using the periscope raises the likelihood that your
ship could be spotted from the air. It can also provide a radar return to ships in the area.Another
disadvantage of using the periscope is that it has a relatively short range, approximately 3.5 n.m.
Most likely you will detect the contact with one of your other sensors before you would be able to
see it in the periscope.
Periscope depth varies for the controllable sub classes in Sub Command.
■ Seawolf: 69 feet
■ 688(I): 65 feet
■ Akula: 16 meters
Your speed should not exceed 10 knots when your scope is raised and your sail is submerged or
you risk damaging the mast.
DETECTING CONTACTS WITH THE PERISCOPE
Press ¥ to move to the Periscope Station.
1. Ensure the ship is at periscope depth and your speed is within the designated parameters.
Periscope depths and maximum speeds are as follows:
■ Seawolf: 69 feet,10 kts or less if the sail is submerged.
■ 688(I): 65 feet,10 kts or less if the sail is submerged.
■ Akula: 16 meters (53 feet),10 kts or less if the sail is submerged.
2. Raise the periscope.Wait a moment as the periscope is raised.
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