Kokusai Ku-8
The Kokusai Ku-8-II (国際 ク8 四式特殊輸送機, Kokusai ku 8 yonshiki tokushū yusōki) (Kokusai Army Type 4 Special Transport Glider[1]) was a Japanese military glider used during the Second World War.
| Ku-8 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Ku-8-II | |
| Role | Transport glider |
| National origin | Japan |
| Manufacturer | Nippon Kokusai Koku Kogyo K.K |
| Primary user | Imperial Japanese Army Air Service |
| Number built | ~700 |
| Developed from | Kokusai Ki-59 |
Design and development
Design of the Ku-8-II began in December 1941, 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.
A Ku-8-II version that was produced in 1944 used a tubular steel frame structure, and had a hinged nose that could be opened to the side to 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-8-I:Prototypes.
- Ku-8-II:Military transport glider. Production version.
Specifications
Data from topsid.com:Kokusai Ku-8-II,[3] Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War,[4] Fighting gliders of World War II[5]
General characteristics
- Crew: 2
- Capacity: 20 troops, equipped; mountain howitzer with crew / 1,790 kg (3,950 lb) payload
- Length: 13.31 m (43 ft 8 in)
- Wingspan: 23.2 m (76 ft 1 in)
- Height: 2.96 m (9 ft 9 in)
- Wing area: 50.5 m2 (544 sq ft)
- Empty weight: 1,630 kg (3,594 lb)
- Gross weight: 3,500 kg (7,716 lb)
Performance
- Never exceed speed: 240 km/h (150 mph, 130 kn)
- Maximum glide ratio: 15.9:1
- Maximum towing speed: 224 km/h (139 mph; 121 kn)
References
- "Japanese Aircraft Designations 1939-1945". rwebs.net. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
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- Donaldson, Graham. "The Japanese paratroopers in the Dutch East Indies, 1941-1942". The Netherlands East Indies 1941-1942. Archived from the original on 2015-07-08.
- "Kokusai Ku-8-II". www.topsid.com (in Czech). Retrieved 18 March 2018.
- Francillon, Rene (1979). Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War. London: Putnam & Company Limited. p. 484. ISBN 0 370 30251 6.
- Mrazek, James E. (1977). Fighting gliders of World War II. London: Hale. pp. 89-95. ISBN 978-0312289270.
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Kokusai Ku-8. |
- Budge, Kent G. "The Pacific War Online Encyclopedia: Ku-8 "Gander", Japanese Glider". pwencycl.kgbudge.com. Retrieved 18 March 2018.