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Ku-8 file photo [16129]

Ku-8

CountryJapan
ManufacturerNippon Kokusai Koku Kogyo K. K., Japan
Primary RoleGround Attack Aircraft

Contributor:

ww2dbaseDeveloped from the twin-engined Ki-59 passenger transport design, the Ku-8 gliders, designated by the Japanese Army as the Type 4 Special Transport Glider, were the only assault gliders the Japanese employed during WW2. They could each carry 18 troops or about 1,500 kilograms of cargo; a variant design completed in 1944 expanded the passenger capacity to 20 troops. About 700 Ku-8 gliders were built, most of which were used as transports rather in combat. The Allied code name for the Ku-8 design was initially "Goose"; it later changed to "Gander".

ww2dbaseSource: Wikipedia

Last Major Revision: Oct 2012

SPECIFICATIONS

Ku-8
ArmamentNone; capacity for 18 troops
Crew2
Span23.20 m
Length13.31 m
Weight, Maximum3,500 kg
Speed, Maximum224 km/h
Range, Normal300 km

Photographs

Ku-8-11 glider at rest, circa 1940s




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Visitor Submitted Comments

1. Francois GAUTHRON says:
26 Sep 2022 06:29:05 AM

Good morning, I am seeking for WWII Japanese gliders as I am writting a book on Worldwide glider operation in WWII, any help will be more than appreciate. Thank you Francois

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Ku-8 Ground Attack Aircraft Photo Gallery
Ku-8-11 glider at rest, circa 1940s


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