Kokusai Ku-8

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

• Japan

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

Related lists

• List of aircraft of World War II

References

• Pacific War Online Encyclopedia

[Weapons and Warfare book 16, page 1682]