Kokusai Ki-59

The Kokusai Ki -59 ( Allied Code Name: Theresa ) was a twin-engined Japanese transport aircraft of the Army Air Forces during the Second World War. The first flight as a military transport took place in June 1939.

History

Formation

It was developed originally as a civilian cargo aircraft under the designation Teradakoken TK -3 by Nippon Koku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha. Executed she was a shoulder -wing monoplane of mixed construction. The rigid chassis was streamlined disguised and designed for use on unpaved airfields. From the TK -3 produced two prototypes flew for the first time in June 1938. The drive served two radial engines of the type Nakajima Kotobuki 3 with 640 hp. Because of the disappointing performances, the program was, however, reinstated.

Development

The Japanese army was looking for at this time desperately looking for transport aircraft and called Nippon to further develop the model. It then little changes on the cockpit, driving and tail were made. To achieve a longer range, the Nakajima Kotobuki engines against weaker Hitachi Ha -13a were exchanged. The prototype of the Ki -59 was launched in June 1939 for its first flight.

Production model

The serial production began in 1941 under the name " Kokusai ", since this company was now merged with Nippon. The official military designation of Ki -59 was Army Type 1 transporter. A total of 59 aircraft were built. Since the services were still not satisfactory, you put the planes rarely and for subordinate tasks that about as a staff travel airplane.

The Ki- 59 was finally through the Tachikawa Ki -54 ( Allied codename: Hickory ) replaced.

Specifications

Derivative as a glider

( Allied Code Name: Gander ) In December 1941, a Ki- 59 for gliders with the name Kokusai Ku -8 was converted. The wingspan was increased to 23.20 m and the landing gear replaced by smaller wheels and skids. This Ku- 8-I titled sailors formed the basis for the Ku -8 -II, the single glider, which was used by Japan in World War II.