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Snap Shot
By Robert Nott

Ver 2.0
16.11.12

Snap Shot!
Modern Submarine Tactical Wargame Rules
By Robert Nott
Play testing by Leeds Wargames Club
1. Introduction
Modern submarine combat has been popularised in recent years by, in particular films such as The
Hunt for Red October and Crimson Tide. In the post WW2 era rather than submarines hunting ships as
their primary role, submarines have come to see other submarines as their most likely targets,
especially the nuclear deterrant capital ships, the SSBN. Submarines have evolved from diesel/electric
boats (though still used in coastal waters primarily) to nuclear powered ocean going boats. They fall
into 4 general
categories:
Attack Subs Los Angeles, Akula, Alfa, Trafalgar etc. These are boats whose primary function
is as hunter killers. Some may also have a limited strategic role by carrying cruise missiles or
anti-ship missiles
Guided Missile Submarines Often a slightly older generation or boomers that have been
converted these are larger boats with a significant anti-ship capability. Such as Oscar 2 or
converted Ohio class
Strategic Ballistic Missile Submarines part of the strategic deterrent of the owning nation
and a capital ship these are referred to as Boomers and after the most highly prized targets
of attack subs Ohio, Typhoon, Vanguard etc
Diesel / Electric submarines usually used in coastal waters, not as fast as nuclear powered
boats but very, very quiet...
Submarine v Submarine combat can be thought of as not unlike air to air combat but at a slower
speed, and certainly without the more complex aerial manoeuvres such as loops and the split s!
However it can be far more tactical and thought provoking. Noise, rather than height and speed is the
key factor in modern undersea combat The initial rules cover sub v sub combat but are expanded to
include helicopters and some surface ships / ASW warfare.
2. Components
Rulebook
The Snap Shot! Rulebook should not be needed during the game apart from the occasional reference.
Submarine Data Card (SDC) This is the main game aid and should provide most of the information
each player needs to play the game. It includes the characteristics of the submarine,its weapons and
other capabilities.
Turn Charts
These are used to enable the submarine miniatures to be turned on the playing surface.
Miniatures
The game can be played with miniatures of different scales that are commercially available. These vary
from 1:3000 such as Davco/Navwar to, the authors preference, 1/700 plastic kits from manufacturers
such as Hobby Boss, Dragon, etc. As few miniatures are needed it is more satisfying to use the larger
miniatures and these rules came out of a longing to use 1:700 miniature kits such as Dragon and
Hobbyboss that are really cheap (4 for a sub) and look fantastic on the table.
Dice
The Dice that are needed are 6 sided and 10 sided
Board Size
A playing surface of about 6ft x 4ft is ideal for playing the game, though larger can be used if
available.
3. Definitions
Scale
One Nautical Mile is 2000 yds
A ground (sea) scale of 1 = 200yds (Effective sea scale of (1:72000)

A time scale of 1 turn = 1 minute

Effective 1 knot of speed = 1/6 inch/turn (0.166)
Depth
There are 6 depths used in the game; Surface, Periscope, Shallow, Intermediate, Deep and Very Deep
(not available to all subs)
Submarine Characteristics
Submarines have certain characteristics that distinguish them from their enemy counterparts (and
indeed their allies) The main distinguishing features are;
Speed - each SDC shows the submarine available speeds. These are Stop/Creep, 1/3rd Speed,
2/3rd Speed, Full Speed and Flank Speed
Noise For each speed that a sub is moving it has a base noise rating, that reflects the water
rushing past the hull, reactor/engine noise etc.
Sonar - Sonar ratings reflecting the quality and range of the passive sonar systems and the
range of the subs active sonar system.
Weapons shows the weapons available to the submarine, available torpedo tubes etc.
Defensive systems shows the defensive systems available to the sub, such as
countermeasures, anechoic hull, titanium hull or double skin hull.
Example
In order to better explain the way the game is played these rules will use a continuing example to
illustrate the principle areas of the game mechanics. We will use the scenario of a pickup game
between the USS Dallas SSN700 (A Los Angeles attack sub) approaching the Murmansk, a larger
Soviet Oscar 2 class guided missile sub.
4. Game Setup
This is one of the more troubling aspects of modern submarine combat. The aim is to stay undetected,
which makes for challenging game play on the table! This can be approached in several ways.
Conventional Approach
This is the most realistic way to represent the hidden movement of submarine combat. Using this
method an umpire keeps track of all the subs positions and adjudicates detection rolls etc. Possible in a
2 or maybe 3 sub game but unfortunately it can get very complicated as players of Harpoon will testify
to. If you want this level of realism where only the umpire knows the exact positions of all the
participants then perhaps a computer simulation is best for you, unless you are a masochist!.
Abstract Approach
Snap Shot! Uses a semi-abstract approach is an attempt to add an element of the unknown to
submarine warfare. Whilst not as ideal as a purist umpire driven game it gives the key elements and
balances it with playability. It can be adapted to give a more scenario driven encounter, or an open
pick-up game on a club night. At the start of the game each sub has a start point determined by the
player that he or she keeps secret. This is best done by a simple method such as choosing a table edge
and choosing, say 12 from one corner. Clearly some scenarios can limit this or define precisely where
the subs start. He or she will not know where the other subs are, or what nationality they may be and
so the positions of all the subs are unknown to each other. This general set up can be modified as you
will see in some of the scenarios where some of the possible positions may be restricted.
4.1 Set-up Sequence
4.11 At the commencement of the game no models are placed on the playing surface (unless specified
in scenario set-up instructions).
4.12 Each player secretly chooses their subs starting position, depth and speed. Often a scenario will
determine these. Note a submarine may start at Full or Flank Speed. This represents the sub arriving
in the play area towards the end of a speed run or as part of a sprint and drift pattern.
4.13 Each player then consults their SDC to determine their subs starting Noise rating. They then apply
the modifier for depth (-1 for Intermediate, -2 for Deep and 3 for very deep)
4.14 Each player adds any modifiers to his noise for events from the previous turn (clearly not
applicable in turn 1)

4.15 Each player then places a dice in front of them to indicate the noise their sub is making at the
start of the game.
Example
The US player randomly determines his speed as 2/3rd and his depth as deep. The Oscar is at 1/3rd
speed and is at intermediate. Both players consult their SDCs. The Dallas makes noise 6 at 2/3rd
speed but is at deep depth and so applies a 2 modifier to give a starting noise of 4. The Soviet boat
starts with a noise of 5 at 1/3rd speed and applies a 1 modifier for Intermediate to give a starting
noise also of 4. Both players place dice to indicate these starting noise ratings.
The Scenario set-up
In a scenario set up there are more details and restrictions than in the abstract open set-up. For
example some subs or ships may be already placed on the table, or there may be restrictions on where
certain subs may appear. Each scenario will have detailed set-up instructions. The natural development
in a totally random game is for each sub to slow as quickly as possible, but this may not always be the
case because of mission victory objectives. We found during playtesting that a random determination
of depth and speed usually meant that some subs were detected early in the game and play developed
quite aggressively - if thats the type of game you want!
5. Order of Play
5.1 Plot Moves, Active Torpedo Detection rolls
5.2 Movement
5.3 Detection
5.4 Firing launch torpedoes / countermeasures are placed next to sub
5.5 Damage Resolution
5.1 Plot Moves
Each player plots their move and writes down what their speed, depth and noise level is. They must
also decide whether they will use active sonar that turn or rely on their passive systems. This decision
cannot be changed during the turn. A sub must also plot whether it is firing weapons or releasing any
countermeasures. Each player must record his plot or list of moves so that the sub can be placed
on the table when detected.
Pre-Plotted Movement Option: If you wish to place your models on the table from the very
beginning you can do so with the pre-plotted movement option. A submarine/ship that has not
detected any other vessels must plot its moves 7 turns in advance. Turns are plotted indicating the
distance to be moved and any turns and/or depth changes. Noise is not recorded until the beginning
of the actual turn. After each turn the models move is plotted 7 turns out, (i.e., at the beginning of
the game the player plots movement for turns 1 through 7, At the end of turn 1, the player then plots
for turn 8) I Once the submarine/ship has made a detection the player can disregard the pre-plotted
orders and plot orders as normal per the rules. If a submarine/ship loses contact, then the player
must then re-plot the moves for the next 7 turns. All other rules regarding acquiring targets and
shooting apply.
Example
The Dallas plots a move of 2/3rd speed and at deep. The Soviet sub is at 1/3rd speed and intermediate
as per their starting speed and depth. Neither sub plots to use active sonar. Remember that in our
example neither sub has been detected yet so no models have been placed on the tabletop yet.
5.2 Movement
Movement is carried out simultaneously after players have plotted their move. For simplicity the
submarines (and eventually ships) have a data card that lists the relevant speeds etc, so avoiding
having to calculate each time. Submarines, Ships and torpedoes are all moved simultaneously. This
may necessitate some pro-rata moves or part moves to accurately represent fairly the moves that
have been made. Remember that if your model has not been detected it will not yet have been placed
on the table unless directed to by the scenario instructions. Once moves have been made each player
places a die to show what his subs (or ships) noise level is. This applies whether or not your sub has
been detected yet.

5.2.1 Speed
Speeds are limited to 5 different levels. These are, in ascending order, All Stop/Creep, 1/3rd, 2/3rd,
Full, and Flank. Look at one of the data cards and youll see how many inches these speeds represent
for each submarine. A submarine can usually change speed by one level each turn. When running at
shallow or periscope depth, if a submarine moves at Flank speed then there is a chance that the sub
could broach not only creating extra noise, exposing its position on the surface and possibly damaging
its control surfaces. On a roll of 6 on a d6 the sub has broached creating +3 noise. Each turn
thereafter it attempts to change depth, it must roll a 1-3 on a d6 to be able to do so.
Crash Back & Full ahead Flank!
A Submarine can increase or reduce speed by 2 levels per turn but increases its noise by additional 2
levels for that turn only due to cavitation
A Submarine can turn using the turning circles provided. There is one for Diesel/Electric, One for SSN,
One for SSGN/SSBN and one for torpedoes. Some subs may have particular characteristics such as the
Russian Alfa which turns like a Diesel/Electric sub.
5.2.2 Depth
Submarines can be at one of 6 different depth settings. These are in descending order, Surface,
Periscope, Shallow, Intermediate, Deep, and (only for some submarines) Very Deep. It takes 1 turn to
change one depth. However it takes 3 turns to submerge from surface.
5.2.2.1 Special rules
Put her on the roof! an emergency blow that immediately changes the depth of the submarine to
surface but causes an additional +4 noise! Bottom the Boat if the sub is at the max permitted depth
(often only possible in scenarios where max depth is intermediate or deep) and reduces speed to all
stop then it can attempt to bottom the boat by stopping in the lee of some sea bed feature. After one
complete turn at all stop on the sea bed (i.e. a plotted move at all stop) the boat is considered
bottomed and has advantages in hiding from active sonar detection.
5.2.3 Noise
The current noise level is determined by consulting the SDC and seeing what noise level your sub
makes for the speed it is going. Note the adjustment for depth (Intermediate -1, Deep -2, V Deep -3).
The lowest noise rating is 0. Actions in a turn, for example firing a weapon, can add a modifier to the
noise rating for the subs next turn.
Do Note the only factors that are plotted and can affect the noise that turn are speed, depth and use
of active sonar. All other actions are events that happen during the turn and affect the noise for the
following turn. i.e. if a torpedo is fired during the turn that affects the noise for the following turn.
Factors
Diesel Sub Snorkelling +1
Firing Weapon or countermeasures +2
Depth (Int -1, Deep -2, V Deep -3)
Using Full Active Sonar +4
Using Narrow Active Sonar +2 (+4 for targeted sub)
Increasing or decreasing speed by 2 levels +2
Emergency Blow +4
Example
The Dallas is making noise 4 (noise 6 for 2/3rd speed -2 for deep depth). The Oscar is also making
noise 4 (noise 5 for 1/3rd -1 for intermediate depth) Soviet subs have noisier reactors!
5.3 Detection
Detection is perhaps the most crucial part of the game. Submarines use sonar to detect other
submarines, and have both Active and Passive systems. However these vary widely and can include
towed arrays etc.
5.3.1 The Underwater Environment
The main feature of being underwater is that sound travels very easily. However there are certain
effects that complicate matters. How fast or deep you go affects how much noise you make and how
much you can hear.

Optional Rule The Thermocline

There is also the Thermocline which is a sudden change in the temperature of water. This acts as an
excellent sound reflector if the sonar hits it at a shallow angle, for example at longer ranges. Once a
sub gets close enough and the angle to the layer is more acute then the sonar passes through. So you
must always be aware of where the layer sits as it is crucial to detection. This can be simulated in one
of 2 ways. The simplest method is only applicable when surface vessels are present. Any sub below the
layer has an additional +2 to modifier to its passive sonar roll against surface vessels the layer can
be set according to the scenario but is commonly between shallow and intermediate or between
intermediate and deep. This makes it harder for subs to remain at safer depths if they want to engage
surface vessels. A slightly more complex rule introduces the layer for subs vrs subs. If the layer is set
between deep and intermediate then all subs have this +2 modifier against other subs that are on the
other side of the layer. For example a sub at deep may have a sonar detection roll of detecting noise 4
and above, but against surface vessels and any subs at intermediate or shallower they only detect
noise 6 and above. This dual detection rate does reveal the subs depth (or possible depths if the layer
is between shallow and intermediate) but does add more realism.
Also other effects such as torpedo detonation can cause temporary bubbles or distortions in the water
that obscure or reduce the effective operation of sonar. If a torpedo detonation is anywhere between
your sub and a target there is an immediate sonar modifier of +2 on the following 2 turns. This can be
marked with a bubble style marker.
5.3.2 Cavitation
Sub drivers hate noise and their perennial problem is cavitation. This is caused by the propellers
causing water to vaporise into small bubbles. Water rushes in to fill the gap and causes noise. The
faster you go, and the shallower your depth, the more cavitation you create and the noisier you are.
5.3.3 Baffles
A Sub without a towed array has a blind spot or baffles that are the 60 arc behind the sub 30
degrees each side of the propeller/s. This sonar blind spot is caused by the disturbance of the prop/s in
the water. Soviet sub captains often use a Crazy Ivan a tight 360 degree turn every so often to
check that no-one is hiding in their baffles. A sub driver that doesnt check his baffles will not survive
for long!
5.3.4 Passive Sonar
This comprises the complex and sophisticated listening devices that are similar to the hydrophones in
WW2 era subs but far more sensitive. Many subs also use computers to wash the sound etc. The US
BSY-1 (or busy one) is a good example. Again different submarines have different capabilities. It is
important to understand that passive sonar is just that passive. It does not emit any noise but purely
listens for other sounds in the water. The problem is differentiating between clutter noise, biological
sounds (such as a whale) and the more disturbing noise of an enemy subs reactor plant. When a sub
detects a sonar contact with its passive systems it identifies 2 things only the contacts bearing from
the sub and, certain particular sounds that may identify the contact. The computers in US subs for
example keep records of individual Soviet subs sound signatures so that individual subs can be
identified from their unique sound signatures.
5.3.5 Sonar Blind
Sonar is also degraded by the noise that your sub is making. Over 20kts and all subs are sonar blind.
Even a Los Angeles at just under 20kts has its sonar effectiveness reduced to about 20%. On each
SDC you will see a that some boxes are greyed out at particularly full and flank speeds. At these
speeds the sub is sonar blind and cannot use its sonar systems.
5.3.5 Passive Sonar Detection Roll
In the detection phase each sub rolls for its passive sonar. The base value is shown on the subs SDC.
The player then adds half of its own noise value. (This is rounded down) The player then rolls the sonar
dice - 2dd, one positive, one negative and modifies the noise value by the difference between them. All
subs making that much noise or more have been detected and are placed on the table. The only
exception is if an undetected sub is heard by a detected one (and so on the table) and the undetected
sub is within the baffles of the detector the player can then not reveal his sub!
Example
The Dallas has a passive sonar value of 3. It is currently making noise of 4 so adds half that (2) to give
a value of 5. The Dallas rolls+ 3 and -4 and so modifies the roll by -1. The Dallas can therefore detect

noise 4 and above. As the Oscar is making noise 4 it has been detected. The Oscar has passive sonar
of 4 and is making noise 4 so adds 2 giving a score of 6. It rolls a +2 and a -2 (no modifier) so can
detect noise 6 or above. It fails to detect the Dallas. At this point the Oscar is placed on the table but
Dallas has yet to be detected.
5.3.6 Towed Arrays
These function just like normal passive sonar except they have no blind spot or baffles. But a
submarine cannot go to full or flank speed and can only make either a 45 degree turn or a change in
depth or speed once in any turn.
5.3.7 After Detection Rolls
Once contact has been made the situation traditionally becomes more problematical for the wargamer.
Where one sub has detected another but itself remains undetected, placing both models on the table is
a big disadvantage to the, as yet, undetected sub. The difficulty is giving some degree of uncertainty
but yet retaining playability. This is not unlike the godlike view that wargamers always complain about
in tabletop battles where all the dispositions are known, whereas in reality they would not be.
5.3.8 Placement of Detected Submarines
Snap Shot! uses an abstract method. If a sub is detected using passive or active sonar it is placed on
the table at its location determined by the players plot record unless the pre-plotted movement option
is being used. The initial placing reflects a sonar contact of a small time period, basically a bearing,
identification and give the small time a limited range identifier.
The acquiring submarine is not placed on the table unless it is acquired itself.
If you are detected by a sub that is already been placed on thetable and you are in its baffles,
then even if it could detect you according to the passive detection roll, you remain undetected!
If a submarine obtains a firing solution on another and itself remains still undetected it can fire
torpedoes. However it must be placed on the table when it fires.
The intention here is that if you detect another sub you have the opportunity to manoeuvre and try
and get in its baffles.
5.3.8.1 High Speed screws torpedo in the water!
At this level of simplicity game play you cannot simulate further hidden movement without adding
umpires and a great deal of complexity. In reality a sub can fire at another from a considerable
distance and set its torpedoes to run deep in an oblique approach so that the target subs does not hear
the torpedoes coming. Even in Larry Bonds Harpoon rules a running torpedo is auto detected at
passive range. Even if it runs under a thermocline (half range) that still means auto detect at 3 feet on
the table, even for a Russian sub. For gaming purposes all torpedoes are detected when fired. In the
game when a subs torpedoes are detected as it fires that means that the target sub in reality knows
where the firing sub is. As the sub fires it must be placed on the table. The following turn the target
sub can try its active sonar and/or fire a snap shot.
Example
We assume that Dallas remains undetected for another 2 turns. Then the Oscar gets lucky and rolls a 5 +1 split to get a -4 modifier.. It can then detect noise of 2 or more. It suddenly detects Dallas even
though she has slowed to 1/3 and is making noise 2. The Dallas is placed on the table.
5.3.11 The Firing Solution
The firing solution (or more properly the Fire Control Solution ) is the identification of the enemy subs
true position. As passive sonar only detects bearing and identity, only by continued and repeated
contacts can a true picture be built up that includes range (by triangulating repeated soundings etc) and this leads to the firing solution. For our games we are concentrating on the getting a firing
solution, or trying to prevent the opponent from getting one on you and the firing and true combat of
the situation. To obtain a passive firing solution a sub must have obtained 3 detections of the enemy
sub in any 5 turn period. These do not have to be concurrent just 3 in any 5.
5.3.12 Passive Firing Solution
The firing solution is the combination of multiple detections and the transmission of that data to the
torpedo to enable it to be fired. You must detect the enemy submarine for 3 turns in a 5 turn period.
On the 3rd turn of detection roll d10. Apply the following modifiers Each additional turn of contact over
3 (Max +2) +1 If contact changes course or speed -2 You must score 5 or more to get a firing solution.
Once you have a firing solution you must maintain contact with the target sub 3 times in each 5 turn
group or you lose your solution.

Example
However Dallas has now detected the Oscar 3 turns in a row (it could be 3 in any 5) and so can roll for
a solution. Dallas rolls 7 on a d10 and so achieves a solution. Remember at this point that the Oscar
has only just detected the Dallas. As detection comes before movement the Oscar has not had the
opportunity to use active sonar yet. The subs positions are now as follows
5.3.13 Active Sonar
This is commonly characterised by a Ping. It is an active sound generation that, by analysing the
reflected sound off an object, gives you accurate data on the target. It is the fastest way to get to a
firing solution but the downside is that you are generating sound and this makes you very visible in the
underwater environment. The main point about active sonar is that it gives you bearing and range
which is what you need for a firing solution. Submarines can use active sonar as a full wide beam that
can detect all targets in range, or as a narrow beam that can detect only 1 target that has been
detected passively but this method creates less noise for the other non-targeted subs, often very
useful.
5.3.14 Active Sonar detection
Active sonar does not rely on the sound the target may be making but on the reflected sound from the
ping. Therefore the detection roll is slightly different. The sub needs a 3-6 on a d6 to detect the
enemy sub.
Dice mods
+1 if target is SSBN or SSGN (i.e. large).
-1 if target has anechoeic coating
-1 if sub has poor active sonar
-2 if the boat is bottomed
5.3.15 Active Firing Solution
Any detection using active sonar automatically results in a firing solution for next turn. You cannot use
active sonar unless you have already detected an enemy sub passively, or an enemy sub fires a
torpedo at you! All Submarines can only hold firing solutions on 2 targets at the same time.
Example
In the detection phase of the next turn the Oscar will have to decide whether to use active sonar to
obtain a solution or whether it will rely on a snap shot and evasive tactics
6. Combat
Once you have a firing solution you can enjoy yourself and start firing torpedoes. Unlike WW2 era
torpedoes the modern equivalent are far more complex. They come in all sorts of capability, however
the most common, and the ones usd in our example are the US Mk48 and the Soviet ET-80A wire
guided torpedoes.
6.1 Torpedoes
Each sub has a number of torpedo tubes. Conventionally these are loaded according to a standard
load-out. Space is a priority on board a sub and so a torpedo tube is a rather convenient place to store
a torpedo. However a sub with multiple weapon types may have a more mixed load-out such as antiship missiles or mines loaded perhaps. The sub SDC will show the weapons available. Scenarios will
also give instructions on the starting load-out, otherwise players are free to chose.
Example
The Dallas has 4 tubes, all loaded with Mk48s. The Oscar also has 4 tubes loaded with ET-80As.
6.1 Firing and controlling Torpedoes
Once a firing solution has been obtained, either passively or actively, the sub commander can order
match bearings and shoot. A sub can control a maximum of 2 wire-guided torpedoes. This means that
the torpedo trails a wire that is still attached to the firing sub. The sub can then control the torpedo
towards its target. It takes 3 turns to load a new torpedo into a tube Torpedoes are automatically
placed on the table when fired. Wire Guided Torpedoes can often be fired in several modes, for
example a slow mode or a faster mode, which has a shorter range but moves quicker. If the sub
changes depth or course more than once in any turn then the wire is cut. If it changes both in any turn
the wire is also cut. When a torpedo is fired it is placed directly in front of the firing sub touching the
front of the sub.

6.11 Wire Guided

If fired wire guided, the torpedo will move towards the target at the given speed. Usually torpedoes
have dual settings so that they can run fast or slow. The player must keep track of how many turns the
torpedo has run (a dice next to the torpedo model could do this).If the wire is not cut then the torpedo
can be guided direct to the target. In many cases the wire may be cut for example if the firing sub
wants to manoeuvre then it may be forced to cut the wire.
6.12 Active Torpedoes
Once the wire is cut the torpedo goes active and uses its own active sonar to acquire a target. Some
torpedoes such as air launched ones have no controlling wire and go active immediately. The range of
the torpedoes active sonar is 8. So once cut loose a torpedo will move straight ahead and attempt to
acquire any target that comes within 8 and within a 90 degree arc (45 degrees either side of the
front) of it. To acquire - the torpedo must roll 3-6 on a d6, 2-6 if this is the second or more turn it has
acquired. The only other modifier is if the bottom has been bottomed this gives an additional -2. But
note that it does take time to bottom the boatM If a torpedo fails its first roll to acquire a target it will
move forward that turn and continue to do so.If the torpedo fails a subsequent acquisition roll or
reaches its target and misses then it will attempt to reacquire. It then begins to search randomly. Roll
a directional dice each turn and the torpedo uses the turning circle to move to that new bearing. Any
targets (possibly even your own sub!) that it comes across within 8 and in arc must be rolled for
acquisition. These turns are done as quickly as possible using the torpedo turning circle. Once the
torpedo reacquires a target it moves towards it. It must reacquire each turn.
Example
In the fire phase Dallas launches 2 Mk48 torpedoes at the Oscar. The torpedoes are placed in front of
the Dallas. The following turn both subs move and the Oscar changes depth and increases speed to Full
(cavitating as it does so). As the Oscar surges forward by 4.5 the Mk 48s move 9 and are now only
15.5 behind. in the detection phase the Oscar cant use sonar as the Dallas is not in its forward arc
and is now sonar blind in any case. The Oscar fires a snap shot torpedo down the bearing of the
incoming Mk48s. It is place directly in front of the Oscar.
6.13 Snap Shot
You can fire a torpedo in a snap shot down the bearing of an incoming torpedo. This is to make the
firing sub manoeuvre and so lose control of any wire guided torpedoes. A snap shot is when you fire a
torpedo straight and once it gets further than 4 from you it goes active. A snap shot runs straight so
the table above is disregarded.
6.14 Programmable Torpedoes
Some torpedoes such as the Mk48 are programmable. They can be set to run a certain distance then
go active or even to run to a specific area and do loops or search a box area. BUT YOU CANNOT
PROGRAM A SNAP SHOT
You must state what you want your torpedo to do but remember that you can only control this or
change instructions whilst you have a wire attached!
6.15 Countermeasures
If you release countermeasures place a countermeasures token on the board at the point you release
them. This forms a temporary 2 turn disturbance that may disrupt the torpedoes homing. It acts as a
target that the torpedo may acquire on a 5 or 6 (only a 6 if the torpedo is still being wire guided) and
target the countermeasures instead of the sub. Any active torpedo that comes within 8 and in sonar
arc of the countermeasures must roll to see if it acquires the countermeasures, even if it has already
acquired and is homing onto another target. A torpedo that is wire guided may only be fooled if it
moves through the countermeasures token. If an active torpedo is fooled by the countermeasures the
torpedo will automatically roll on the random movement chart in its next turn. A wire guided torpedo
only rolls randomly once and can then resume its guided approach. This represents the operator being
temporarily fooled.
Hitting the Target
Once the torpedo reaches the target check what the torpedo chance of hitting is on your SDC. A Mk 48
hits on a 1-7, an ET-80A on a 1-6 The only modifiers to this are these cumulative ones
-1 Changes course by 45 degrees
-1 Changes speed by 2 levels
-1 Changes depth by 2 levels

+1 SSGN or SSBN (i.e. large).

Example
The following turn the Dallas the Dallas is aware of the launch of the Oscars torpedo. Dallas maintains
2/3rds speed careful not to break the guidance wire to its own torpedoes and doesnt want to
become sonar blind by going to full. The Oscar increases to flank and all the subs and torpedoes move.
The Oscar now has 2 Mk48s 11.5 behind. The Russian torpedo moves around the torpedo turning arc
7.5 to point towards the MK48s and it is now still 18 from the Dallas. The next turn the Mk482 close
to 7.5 and the Dallas moves 3 straight ahead. The US Captain has calculated that he doesnt need to
increase speed as the Russian torpedo will pass safely astern of his sub and more than 8 away so it
wont detect him. Next turn the Oscar turns and releases countermeasures in the fire phase. The
MK48s must roll when they reach the countermeasures. As they are still being guided only rolls of 6
will confuse the torpedoes. The Oscar rolls a 4 and a 2 and the countermeasures are ignored. Despite
being at flank speed the Oscar accepts the inevitable next turn and does a crash back to reduce speed
by 2 levels in order to try and avoid the torpedoes.
Damage
This is bad news as any hit is usually fatal! If the roll is 3 or more less than the chance to hit then it is
a direct hit. E.g. if you need a 1-5 to hit and you roll a 2 then the pressure hull is breached and the sub
is dead. Less than that and a proximity hit is achieved. If the submarine has a double hull then then a
roll of 4 or more less than the chance to hit results in direct hit.
Even number rolled:
Engineering /Rudder Takes 2 turns to change speed and can only turn 45 degrees once per turn.
Depth control damaged 1-2 on d6 to change depth each turn. Cannot go to full or flank speed.
Odd number rolled:
CIC/Weapons/Electronics Can only fire snap shots. Cannot reload torpedoes. No Active sonar. Passive
sonar rating doubled.
A second hit is always fatal even if proximity.
The Mk48s need a 1-7 to hit modified by +1 as the Oscar is large by -2 as the Oscar changed speed by
2 levels and changes course by more than 45 degrees. With a 1-6 needed the Dallas rolls a 2 and a 9
hitting with one torpedo. Usually a roll of 2 under the chance to hit is needed to breech the pressure
hull. Even though the Osacr has a double hull and requires a roll of 4 under the chance the Dallas
has made the roll and the Oscars pressure hull collapses, sending her to the bottom. Of course it could
always have gone differently Dallas was always likely to get the first shot away but with different
positions the Dallas may have had to make more evasive turns and cut the wire guidance making the
torpedoes easier to evade. The Oscar could have turned and used active sonar and fired her torpedoes
wire guided for one turn or possibly 2..Countermeasures may have worked or the Mk48s may have
both missed.
Helicopters
There isnt a sub driver who doesnt fear anti-submarine warfare helicopters. They add an extra
dimension to the game and can be used either actively by a player, or as part of a programmed action.
The 2 most common helicopters we will use are the following:
Ka-27 Helix Move 20
Sensors
Radar, MAD,
Dipping Sonar
Active 30, Passive 10 Value 5

Sea Sprite (LAMPS I) Move 20

Sensors
MAD, 15 Sonarbuoys
8 DIFAR Passive 20 Value 3
7 DICASS Active 20

12 Sonarbuoys
6 Passive 10 Value 5
6 Active 15

Weapons 2 Mk46 Torpedoes

7.5/Turn, Max Range 60

Weapons - 2 E45-75A Torpedoes

5.5/Turn, Max Range 45

MAD Magnetic Anomaly Detector

This very useful device is carried by helicopters and will automaticaly detect the metal hull of a
submarine at periscope, shallow or intermediate depths. The range is 10 to periscope or shallow, 5 at
intermediate. Titanium hulled subs like the Soviet Alfa are detected at half these ranges.
Use of Helicopters
Helicopters can be used actively by a player, however they have certain restrictions as they do not
communicate with friendly submarines. Until any surface ship or friendly helicopter or aircraft has
detected a target they must move randomly to simulate a search pattern. Then they can be used under
the direction of a player.
Each turn roll a d6
D6
Action
1
Move randomly then Dip (Passive) or release SB if no Dipping Sonar
2
Stay in place and release SB (unless SB in place roll again)
3
Move Randomly
4
Move randomly then Dip (Active) or release SB if no Dipping Sonar)
5
Move randomly then release SB
6
Stay in place and release SB (unless SB in place roll again)
Each turn also roll 2d6 if a double is rolled then the helicopter is nearing bingo fuel and is removed
from play. They cannot be removed from play by random movement off the board roll the directional
die again if this is indicated.
Pre-programmed
A scenario may give more precise directions to a helicopter, for example it may be establishing a sonar
buoy line.
Fixed Wing ASW
Fixed wing aircraft are another threat to the sub driver. Because of the higher speed they travel at
fixed wing aircraft perform passes over the playing surface. They can only communicate with
helicopters and surface ships and so if not target has been identified by such, they will perform a
random pass over the table.
Roll for a random edge of the table, a random starting point, and then a directional dice. This is the
start point and course the plane will take on its pass. The plane will have its MAD operating and for
each 20 of movement roll a d6. On a 4-6 it will drop a sonarbuoy. 50/50 it will be active or passive.
Once it has a contact it can make a pass each turn under the control of the appropriate player.
Remember that it must get a positive id which an active buoy does not. So if the original contact was
by active it must return and get a positive passive id using a passive buoy before dropping a torpedo.
If a helicopter or surface vessel already has a contact this positive id can be communicated by radio so
the ASW aircraft can go in and attack straight away.
Typical ASW aircraft
PC3 Orion Move 55
MAD, 87 sonarbuoys, 8 Mk46 Torpedoes
S-3 Viking Move 60
MAD, 60 sonarbuoys, 4 Mk46 Torpedoes
TU-142 Bear F Move 55
MAD, 100 sonarbuoys, 8 E45-75A Torpedoes
Where did that Helicopter come from?
The answer is maybe from a surface base if you are near shore, but more than likely its from a surface
ship, and if you are really unlucky, from a dedicated anti-submarine warfare ship. Ships operate as
contacts just like submarines do, see the sample SDC (This time for Ship Data Card), and have some
similar but some different weapon systems. All existing rules on detection apply equally to ships as
they do to submarines a ship at creep speed can be just as quiet as a sub creeping about. For
example we will use the Soviet Slava Class Cruiser Moskva, as kits in 1/700 are readily available. You
only need to worry about the weapon systems and detection systems that apply to ASW. There are
also some additional weapons that can be used against ships by submarines. In the Slavas case these
are as follows:
Bull Nose Hull Sonar, Mare Tail Towed Array

RBU-6000 Anti-Submarine Mortars, 533mm Torpedo tubes with SET-65

torpedoes
Ka-27 Helix helicopter
See the SDC for further details
Additional Ant-Ship Weapons
In addition to the 20 Mk48s carried by US subs they also carry as standard load-out 6 Harpoon antiship missiles. These must be loaded and fired from the torpedo tubes. Some of the Los Angeles class
can also fire Tomahawk cruise missiles from their torpedo tubes and the Improved Los Angeles class all
carry 12 Tomahawk missiles in vertical launch tubes. Anti-ship missiles can only be launched from
periscope or shallow depth. The main issue in this game will be the minimum range. Russian Subs tend
to carry a more mixed bag and use SS-N-15 Standoff Nuclear depth bombs & SS-N-16 Standoff E4575Atorpedoes (min range 100) and large Type-65 wake-homing torpedoes. Russian and British subs
also can carry non-homing torpedoes (such as the WW2 vintage Mk8s that sank the Belgrano).
Harpoon IB: Range 30- 600
Tomahawk: Range 30- 600
Type 65 Wake Homing: Range 40-2500 (!) Fast 8.5/Max 270 Slow 5/Max 540
SS-N-19 missiles carried on Oscar IIs have a minimum range of 120 and so are out of the
scope of this game! These are long range stand-off weapons!
Old Stuff / Odds & Sods@..
Appendix A The Modern Torpedo
Wire guided, Active, Programmable
Example The US Mark 48 ADCAP
40kts
44,550 yds
Mk48
MK48 ADCAP
54,685 yds
Weapon Acquisition range 1600 yds
Search / attack depth 20-1500 yds
Run Characteristics 6-8 minutes

55kts
34,430 yds
42,530 yds

Appendix B Scales
In basic terms this means that a submarine moving at 20kts will move 20x2000 = 40000yds / 60 /
200 = 1.66 inches in 1 minute. 1kt of speed =0.166 per turn
A Mk48 Torpedo on fast setting (55kts) would move 9 inches in the same time, on slow 6.5 inches.
The torpedo could actively home from a range of 1600yds, or 8 inches. The same torpedo would have
a theoretical maximum range on slow setting of 136 inches (20 turns) and on fast of 86 inches (9
turns)!
But consider the actual weapon envelope. If you launch a torpedo and the target turns away and runs
at max speed then the torpedo may only be closing on the target by say 55-33 = 22kts or 3 inches a
turn. If you fire at an Alfa the torpedo may only close at 55-45 = 10 kts or 1.6 inches a turn. You
would have to be within about 14 inches to be within the envelope If you were silly enough to fire a
slow Mk48 at an Alfa, the Alfa could outrun the torpedo!
To illustrate the point if you fired at an Akula class at a range of 24 inches with a fast Mk48, the
Torpedo moves 9 inches a turn. The Akula makes holes in the water at 35kts or 6 inches a turn. It
would take the torpedo 8 turns to close the gap and it has range for 9 turns. It may just make it!
Safety arming range would be approximately 500-1000 yds or 4

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