Kawasaki Ki-56

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The Kawasaki Ki-56 (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist., Type 1 Freight Transport) was a Japanese, two-engine light transport aircraft used during World War II. It was known to the Allies by the reporting name Thalia. One-hundred twenty-one were built between 1940-43.

Design and development

The Kawasaki Ki-56 was derived from the Lockheed Model 14 Super Electra aircraft that the Kawasaki Kokuki Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha (The Kawasaki Aircraft Engineering Company Limited) had built under licence. In September 1939, Kawasaki was asked by the Koku Hombu to design an improved version as Ki-56.[1] A number was also built by Tachikawa Hikoki K.K.

Operational history

The Japanese invasion of Sumatra in the Dutch East Indies campaign began with a paratroop drop from Ki-56 transports on Airfield P1 and the oil refineries near Palembang. Royal Air Force Hawker Hurricane fighters flying from P1 to locate the Japanese invasion fleet passed the incoming Ki-56s but thought them to be friendly Lockheed Hudsons (also developed from the Lockheed Model 14) returning from a raid. The defending anti-aircraft gunners at P1 were equally fooled, until parachutes began to open. Once the AA guns opened fire, one transport was shot down, another force-landed, and others veered off course. The paratroop drop was effective, and the airfield and oil installations were overrun.[2][3][4]

Accidents and incidents

  • On March 28, 1946, a Dalstroi Aviation Ki-56 (514) crashed on takeoff from Zyrianka, Russia due to crew error, killing the pilot.[5]
  • On December 7, 1946, a Dalstroi Aviation Ki-56 (6) crashed on climbout from Berelakh, Magadan, Russia (then part of the Khabarovsk Territory) due to double engine failure, killing all seven on board.[6]

Specifications (Ki-56)

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See also

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References

Notes
  1. ↑ Francillon 1979, p. 108.
  2. ↑ Routledge, pp. 226–7.
  3. ↑ Walker, pp. 130–3.
  4. ↑ Woodburn Kirby, p. 420.
  5. ↑ Template:ASN accident
  6. ↑ Template:ASN accident
Bibliography
  • Francillon, Rene (1979). Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War. London: Putnam & Company Limited. ISBN 0-370-30251-6.
  • Jackson, Robert (2002). The encyclopedia of military aircraft. Parragon Pub. ISBN 0-7525-8130-9.
  • Routledge, N. W. (1994). History of the Royal Regiment of Artillery. London: Royal Artillery Institution. ISBN 1-85753-099-3.
  • Walker, Patrick (2013). 6th Heavy Anti Aircraft Regiment Royal Artillery : the extraordinary untold story of the unlucky regiment from the Midlands and Penn Common (2nd ed.). Gloucester: The Choir Press. ISBN 978-0-9562190-4-6.
  • Woodburn Kirby, S. (2004). The War Against Japan: Vol. I: The Loss of Singapore. History of the Second World War, United Kingdom Military Series. Uckfield: HM Stationery Office. ISBN 1-845740-60-2.

Template:Lockheed Model 10 Electra family Template:Kawasaki aircraft Template:Japanese Army Aircraft Designation System Template:Allied reporting names

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