Kokusai Ku-8 Type 4 ("Gander")
(also codename of "Goose")
The Kokusai Ku-8 (Type 4 Special Transport Glider) 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 could carry eighteen troops, or 1500 kg of cargo and two crew. 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 (or a mountain cannon and its crew). In total, approximately 700 were built. They were used operationally in the Philippines, primarily to carry supplies. The Ku-8 was normally towed by a Mitsubishi Ki-21-II. It was given the Allied codename of "Goose" and later "Gander". (info from Wikipedia)
Kokusai Ku.8 Type 4
Type: Transport Glider
Service: Japanese Army Air Force (JAAF)
Crew: n/a
Armament: none
Reference: Francillon: 484
Specifications:
Length: 43' 8" (13.31 m)
Height: n/a
Wingspan: 76' 1.4" (23.2 m)
Wing area: n/a
Empty Weight: n/a
Loaded Weight: 7,720 lbs (3,500 kg)
Propulsion:
No. of Engines: 2
Powerplant: Mitsubishi Ha-26-I 14-cylinder radial engine
Horsepower: 875 hp each
Performance:
Range: 190 miles (300 km)
Cruise Speed: n/a
Max Tow Speed: 139 mph (224 km/h)
Climb to/in: n/a
Ceiling: n/a
Production: approx. 700 Ku-8s total
Additional information on this aircraft can be found at Wikipedia HERE.
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