Kawasaki Ki-56

The Kawasaki Ki-56, known to the Allies as "Thalia," was a Japanese two-engine light transport aircraft used during World War II. 121 were built between 1940 and 1943 when production ceased.

General Characteristics

• Type: Short or Medium Range Transport

• Crew: Pilot, Co-Pilot, Navigator, and Radio Operator; the Navigator and Radio Operator positions could be combined

• Design and Manufacture: Kawasaki Kokuki Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha (The Kawasaki Aircraft Engineering Company Limited)

• Powerplant: Two 990hp (739kW) Nakajima Ha-25 14-cylinder air-cooled radial engines

• Maximum level speed: 400 kilometers per hour (248 mph) at 3500 meters (11,480 feet)

• Service Ceiling: 7400 meters (24,300 feet)

• Range: 3300 kilometers (2060 miles)

• Capacity: 2400 kilograms (5280 pounds), 14 passengers

• Weight: 4672 kilograms (10,300 pounds) empty; 8024 kilograms (17,692 pounds) maximum take-off

• Dimensions:
  • Span: 20 meters (65.5 feet);
  • Length: 15 meters (48.8 feet)
  • Height: 3.6 meters (11.7 feet)
  • Wing area: 51.2 square meters (551 square feet)

• Armament: None