Kratos, Thanks for looking it up. The concern should be over now
i do not know where you got the illustrations from but i also came across them a while back. Here is the original paper where they come from (start from p.6)
http://www.sname.org/HigherLogic/System ... 4a152293f6
The problem i have is that the 3rd illustration shows the GT and the Diesel engines sharing the aft exhaust which is not the case in the QBJ Navy. In fact, in the paper from the above link it says:
The exhaust gases are instead led aft as shown for the combined gas turbine and diesel engine exhaust - or to ship’s side just above or below the waterline. All exhaust gases are cooled by sea- water injection to drop the temperature at the outlets.
I emphasize
'or' because for whatever reason they decided to use independent exhaust pipes.
And so far we also saw exhaust from the ship's aft (hence the new black).
Edit: i think I know why - exhaust on the side provide a better IR signature, in a cruise mode, then on the aft exhaust
