The Kokusai Ku-8-II, (Kokusai Type 4 Special Transport Glider[1]), is 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.
[edit] Variants
- Ku-8I:Prototypes.
- Ku-8II:Military transport glider. Production version.
[edit] Operators
[edit] 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)
[edit] See also
- Related lists
[edit] References
[Weapons and Warfare book 16, page 1682]
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Japanese Army Glider Designation System
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