Kokusai Ku-8
| Ku-8 | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Ku-8II | |
| 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 |
The Kokusai Ku-8-II (国際 ク8 四式特殊輸送機 Kokusai ku 8 yonshiki tokushū yusōki?) (Kokusai Type 4 Special Transport Glider) was a Japanese military glider used during the Second World War.
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. It could carry eighteen troops, or 1500 kg of cargo and two crew.
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. In total, approximately 700 were built. They were used operationally in the Philippines, primarily to carry supplies.
General characteristics
Performance
[Weapons and Warfare book 16, page 1682]
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