| Ku-8 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Ku-8II | |
| Role | Transport glider |
| National origin | Japan |
| Manufacturer | Kokusai |
| Primary user | Imperial Japanese Army Air Service |
| Number built | 700 |
| Developed from | Kokusai Ki-59 |
The Kokusai Ku-8-II (Kokusai Type 4 Special Transport Glider[1]) was a Japanese military glider used during the Second World War. The glider was essentially a Kokusai Ki-59, with the engines and fuel tanks removed and a modified undercarriage. It was given the Allied code name Goose and later Gander. It could carry eighteen troops, or 1500 kg of cargo and two crew.
Design of the Ku-8-II began in December 1941 A Ku-8-II version was produced in 1944 that used a tubular steel frame structure, and had a hinged nose that could be opened to the side allow loading. Also, its capacity was increased slightly to carry twenty troops.[2] In total, approximately 700 were built. They were used operationally in the Philippines, primarily to carry supplies.
Variants[]
- Ku-8I:Prototypes.
- Ku-8II:Military transport glider. Production version.
Operators[]
Specifications[]
General characteristics
- Capacity: 20 troops
- Length: 13.31 m (43 ft 8 in)
- Wingspan: 23.20 m (76 ft 1 in)
- Gross weight: 3,500 kg (7,720 lb)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 224 km/h (140 mph)
- Range: 300 km (190 miles)
See also[]
References[]
- ↑ Japanese
- ↑ *Donaldson, Graham. "The Japanese paratroopers in the Dutch East Indies, 1941-1942". The Netherlands East Indies 1941-1942. http://www.dutcheastindies.webs.com/japan_paratroop.html.
[Weapons and Warfare book 16, page 1682]
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The original article can be found at Kokusai Ku-8 and the edit history here.