Active sonar?

[evilmegaman]

Hey what does active sonar do? For that matter, What does passive sonar do? thanks

[Optimaximal]

I assume Active Sonar is used to find submarines. The units using it (subs and carriers in anti-sub mode) send out pings and detect nearby subs.

In the case of subs, this also reveals their location as its hard to be stealthy when you're sending out broadcast pings into the surrounding area.

[Montyphy]

Passive sonar = stealth, can't see enemy
Active sonar = gains a "radar" range, can attack battleships and carriers.

[evilmegaman]

Thanks Montyphy!

[Rob-1981]

ahh so they DO have a use after their missiles have been expended

[Daxx]

Apparently subs are very good at taking down battleships when using active sonar.

[KallDrexx]

Apparently subs are very good at taking down battleships when using active sonar.

Do subs have to surface to attack battleships or other boats?

[mibias]

no... they stay underwater and use the sonar to locate... then they underwater shoot at the target they find... just like carriers... they dont have to dive to drop underwater bombs right

[mibias]

no... they stay underwater and use the sonar to locate... then they underwater shoot at the target they find... just like carriers... they dont have to dive to drop underwater bombs right

[Mimick]

No they don't, and it is possible to attack ships without the use of sonar, but if you are not nearby other ships or else things that use radar, the subs are blind.

[manni]

Ok I need to confirm this as noone has ever tried to do that on me. I am mostly traveling with active sonar, as it gives me the opportunity to scout enemy fleet positions and deal some damage on the way. Now, if I ping a battleship it knows my position?

[Montyphy]

Now, if I ping a battleship it knows my position?

Yes. Active sonar makes your subs visible on radar. If you find a sub with active radar it will show as circles similar to a carriers antisub mode.

[JoDiamonds]

If you locate a sub with active sonar on, what can you attack it with?

Is it considered "underwater" so only other subs or carriers can attack it? Or can battleships and bombers now hit it?

[ceridus]

If you locate a sub with active sonar on, what can you attack it with?

Is it considered "underwater" so only other subs or carriers can attack it? Or can battleships and bombers now hit it?

Bombers in naval combat mode will own them quite handily.

EDIT: Actually, that may only apply to surfaced subs in launch mode, and not subs underwater. I could have sworn I attacked some underwater subs using bombers but I may have been mistaken. Sorry, I'll let someone less noobish answer that question.

[xyzyxx]

Submerged subs cannot be attacked by battleships or aircraft. Only carriers and other subs can attack them.