Units & Navigation (War on the Sea)

Here is some information about the **units & navigation** in *War on the Sea*:

## Controlled Unit

The currently managed unit, be it a ship or aircraft, is denoted as the "Controlled Unit." Blue text above the toolbar provides details on the Controlled Unit's name, speed, and heading, while red text conveys information about the unit's current target (if applicable). The Controlled Unit remains consistently highlighted on the Unit Roster.

* Direct control of the Controlled Unit is possible through key commands.
* Changes in speed, rudder or turn setting, and altitude/depth (if applicable) are transiently displayed in the Message Log header when modified.
* Adjust the unit's speed by tapping or holding KeyPadPLUS and KeyPadMINUS.
* Turn the unit left or right by tapping or holding KeyPad4 and KeyPad6.
* Modify depth or altitude by tapping or holding KeyPad8 and KeyPad2.
* Use KeyPad5 to set steering to 0.

## Switching Units

Multiple methods exist to switch the Controlled Unit:

1. LEFT CLICK on the map icon of a player-owned unit.
2. LEFT CLICK on a player-owned unit within the 3D world.
3. LEFT CLICK on the small arrow corresponding to the unit in the Roster list.
4. LEFT CLICK on the small arrow in a log message referring to the unit.

Switching to an enemy unit shifts the camera focus but doesn't alter the unit under control.

## Selecting Units

Various approaches are available for selecting additional units to issue orders to:

1. LEFT CLICK the Select All button under the Roster to select/deselect all.
2. LEFT CLICK the names in the Roster to toggle highlighting/selecting them.
3. LEFT CLICK on a colored tab to select all units of that group color.
4. Enter Selection Mode using LEFT CLICK and then LEFT CLICK map icons to toggle highlighting/selecting them. Use S key or Escape to exit Selection Mode.
5. Use the S key to enter Selection Mode and LEFT CLICK units within the 3D world to toggle highlighting/selecting them. Use S key or Escape to exit Selection Mode.

Enemy units cannot be selected as orders cannot be issued to them.

## Plotting Waypoints

Utilize the icon in the map toolbar or press W to enter Navigation Mode.

* The cursor transforms into a ship's wheel.
* LEFT CLICK anywhere on the map to place one or more waypoints.
* The Controlled Unit steers towards and follows the designated waypoints, with the course displayed as lines.
* Press W, use the map toolbar, or the Escape key to exit Navigation Mode.
* Steering left/right immediately cancels any active course or breaks formation if following another unit.

## Map Boundary

A shaded circle outlines the combat zone's limits.

* Navigating friendly units out of this region removes them from engagement.

## Lead Indicator & Bombsight

Specific to air units:

* The lead indicator predicts the target location at the time the dropped payload would reach it.
* The bombsight indicates the impact location of bombs dropped from the Controlled Unit's current altitude and speed.
* Aligning the indicators before releasing bombs aims for target proximity, accounting for any target maneuvers before impact.

## Manual Firing Weapons

When manually firing guns or torpedoes:

1. Select MAN under weapon settings and LEFT CLICK FIRE.
2. The cursor becomes a targeting marker with bearing and range from the Controlled Unit.
3. LEFT CLICK on the Tactical Map (or Mini Map) to target and fire. Use T or Escape to cancel manual firing.

## Orders Panel

Controls on the Orders Panel vary based on the type of Controlled Unit.

* P. DEPTH - Sets submarine depth to periscope depth.
* DIVE! - Initiates a crash dive for a submarine.
* E. BLOW - Activates emergency blow ballast on a submarine to immediately surface.
* SCOPE - Raises/lowers the periscope on a submarine.
* SILENT - Enacts silent running for a submarine, ceasing all repairs and reloading to decrease detection.

* Speed, Turning, Depth/Altitude - Adjust settings using the respective sliders.

## Formation

* BREAK - Halts navigation for the Controlled Unit, breaking formation or waypoint following.
* FORM UP - Commands all selected units to form up around the Controlled Unit using the specified pattern and spacing.
* FOLLOW - Directs the Controlled Unit to follow its target.

* Formation Type - Choose from the dropdown.
* Formation Spacing - Set the distance using the slider.

## Combat

* ATTACK - Prompts all selected units to immediately engage the target of the Controlled Unit.
* CEASE - Instructs all selected units to cease firing.
* Fire At Will/Dogfight At Will - Automatic engagement of enemy units when enabled.
* Auto Flak - Automatic engagement of hostile aircraft with flak guns.
* Evade Hazards - Automatic avoidance of navigation hazards by selected sea units.
* Lay Smoke - Initiates the laying of smoke screens by selected sea units.

* RADAR - Switches Radar on or off for all selected units based on the current unit's usage.
* SONAR - Switches active Sonar on or off for all selected units based on the current unit's usage.

## Collisions

Collisions with terrain or other ships result in speed loss. Damage incurred depends on collision speed.

* Speeds under 5 knots usually cause minimal or no damage, while high speeds can lead to significant hull damage or destruction.

## Submarine Test & Crush Depths

Submarine hulls are constructed to withstand increasing water pressure at greater depths.

* Test depth is the safe operational depth, while crush depth is the depth causing structural failure, typically 1.5x to 1.75x test depth.

* Test depth information is available on the Statistics panel of the Unit Viewer (Recognition Manual).