Taiwan's first domestically made submarine Narwhal, also known as the Hai
Kun, is going through a submerged test again after leaving Kaohsiung Harbor
at 10 AM today.

The test comes after the vessel successfully completing its first-ever round
of underwater tests yesterday.

Local newspapers reported that the Hai Kun sailed to a designated training
area roughly 10 nautical miles off the coast of Zuoying and conducted
shallow-water tests, diving to a depth of about 50 meters.

The tests covered its sonar, propulsion system, and underwater navigation
instruments before returning to port at around 7 p.m., after about eight
hours at sea.

Military expert Ji Dong-yun (紀東昀) said based on his observations,
yesterday’s tests went very smoothly, which is why C-S-B-C, the ship
builder, and the Navy decided to continue testing today.

Today’s tests are expected to continue toward the next target depth of 100
meters with the focus on whether the submarine can remain extremely quiet
underwater.

Ji also said he's optimistic about CSBC being able to deliver the submarine
by the June deadline.
(JL)