Translating speed commands

Ulrich Rudofsky · Post by **Ulrich Rudofsky** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 5:42 pm

Does anyone know how to translate the German speed commands properly into RN and USN and merchant equivalent terms? Here is a list:

German
Signal Meaning

KF Kleine Fahrt (lowest speed)
LF Langsame Fahrt (slow speed)
HF Halbe Fahrt (half speed)
GF Große Fahrt (high speed)
AF Alle Fahrt (full speed)
AK Äußerste Kraft (extreme speed)
ST Stop! (stop propulsion)
H Halt! (reverse engines: stop in place!)

Matthias · Post by **Matthias** » Sat Dec 31, 2005 8:41 pm

I know the Regia Marina Italiana ones, if you need them...

Kit-Builder · Post by **Kit-Builder** » Mon Jan 02, 2006 2:50 pm

KF Kleine Fahrt (lowest speed)
Ahead slow

LF Langsame Fahrt (slow speed)
Ahead 1/3 (one third)

HF Halbe Fahrt (half speed)
Ahead half

GF Große Fahrt (high speed)
Ahead 2/3

AF Alle Fahrt (full speed)
Ahead full

AK Äußerste Kraft (extreme speed)
Flank speed ahead

ST Stop! (stop propulsion)
All stop

H Halt! (reverse engines: stop in place!)
Reverse 1/3

I've got someone I'll be in contact with this week who will know exactly what they are and I will get back to you then.
Regards Steve

Bgile · Post by **Bgile** » Mon Jan 02, 2006 7:26 pm

A bit more trivia for the US, where I served on control room watches:

We always used "Ahead Flank" and not "Flank speed ahead", but all these probably vary from one navy to another and somewhat within eras.

"Ahead Standard" was also used by the US and meant either "most economical speed" or "fleet speed".

"Ahead Full" was 50% maximum power, and was about 90% maximum speed.

"Ahead Flank" was 100% available power.

Additionally, "Make turns for xx knots" was fairly common, and occasionally even "Add 3 rpm" or something similar.

I know this is not what you asked at all, LOL. :)