Kawasaki Ki-56
| Industry | Aerospace, Defense |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Japan |
| Products | Aircraft (including Ki-56) |
The Kawasaki Ki-56 (, Type 1 Freight Transport) was a Japanese twin-engine light transport aircraft utilized during the Second World War. The Allies assigned it the codename Thalia. Between 1940 and 1943, a total of 121 units were manufactured.
Design and development
Originating as a derivative of the Lockheed Model 14 Super Electra, which Kawasaki had previously produced under license, the Ki-56 was created following a September 1939 directive from the Koku Hombu to develop an enhanced model. Alongside Kawasaki, production also involved manufacturing by Tachikawa Hikoki K.K..
Operational history
During the Dutch East Indies campaign, the Ki-56 was instrumental in Japan’s assault on Sumatra, executing paratrooper deployments at Airfield P1 and adjacent oil refinery targets near Palembang. A significant factor in these operations was the misidentification of incoming Ki-56 aircraft by Royal Air Force Hawker Hurricane fighters, which confused them with friendly Lockheed Hudson planes. This error facilitated surprise airborne attacks that secured vital airfields and oil facilities.
Accidents and incidents
- On March 28, 1946, a Dalstroi Aviation-operated Ki-56 (registration 514) crashed during takeoff in Zyrianka, Russia, due to pilot error, resulting in the fatality of the pilot.
- On December 7, 1946, another Dalstroi Aviation Ki-56 (registration 6) experienced dual engine failure shortly after departing Berelakh, Magadan, Russia, leading to a crash that killed all seven occupants.
See also
References
- Notes
- Bibliography