Submarine Haikun emitted smoke while floating out of port, sparking discussion. Guo Xi and Ji Dongyun each had their own say

The submarine Haikun emitted smoke as it floated out of port on October 13, sparking controversy. (File photo)

[Reporter Hong Dinghong/Kaohsiung Report] The submarine Haikun was undergoing a sea survey on October 13. Before it completely left Kaohsiung Port, just within witnessing distance from the shore, white smoke was emitted from the main engine when the float was turned on. It is currently in dock for adjustment. Former naval adviser Guo Xi publicly stated on the YT channel yesterday morning that "something big happened inside the Haikun" and suspected "an explosion or fire." Regarding Guo Xi's comments, Taiwanese ships have already announced that they will not respond.

Guo Xi said that the advantage of submarines is that they are secretive. They usually prepare to dive when leaving port. It is impossible to "emit such a big smoke" when leaving port. This will allow the enemy to know their whereabouts. Usually some smoke will be emitted when the engine is turned on in the port. Therefore, he concluded that "something big happened" to the Haikun.

Guo Xi questioned that if the Haikun was seen at close range on October 13, there would be "very large smoke." He also questioned that there was a problem in the cabin of the Haikun, and that "something was burned" in the main engine or main motor. He still believed that it would be impossible to deliver the ship before the end of the year, and emphasized that "there is no rush."

However, Ji Dongyun, chairman of the Taiwan Security Development Association, emphasized on the YT channel last night that for diesel-engine submarines, smoke will emit when the main engine is turned on during floatation; if the submarine is submerged at periscope depth, the exhaust smoke will mix with seawater to cool down, and no smoke will be visible. Nuclear submarines are equipped with emergency diesel generators that emit smoke when turned on.

Ji Dongyun reiterated that the Haikun is Taiwan's first prototype submarine. It cannot be completed in one step and must be revised step by step. Moreover, no ship in the world can be delivered in completely zero conditions. In particular, the prototype ship must undergo repeated adjustments and optimizations to meet actual combat needs.

It is understood that October 13th was the 24th sea test and the 18th submersible test of the Haikun. The military originally claimed that the key deep-water submersible test would be carried out in late October, but it was postponed due to Typhoon Qiangbi hitting Taiwan. However, as the typhoon passed through and the weather continued to be clear, the Haikun was still not seen leaving the port. Finally, ship fans discovered that it was no longer at the Taiwan Shipbuilding Pier 91 and had been docked for adjustments.