Nippon Kokusai Ki-59
Nippon Kokusai Koku Kogyo · Japan · first flew 1941 · transport aircraft
The Kokusai Ki-59 was a twin-engine high-wing transport monoplane developed for the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force in the early 1940s. It served as a light utility transport and liaison aircraft.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Boxy rectangular fuselage with rounded nose |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Twin-engine high-wing monoplane transport of Imperial Japanese Army
- Fixed spatted undercarriage under engine nacelles
- Boxy rectangular fuselage with rounded nose
Distinguished by its high-set straight wing, twin cowled radial engines, fixed undercarriage with large wheel fairings, and a relatively boxy cabin fuselage.
Specifications
- The Nippon Kokusai Ki-59 has a length of 12.5 m (41 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 17 m (56 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 350 km/h (217 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 plus up to 11 passengers.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed by Nippon Kokusai Koku Kogyo (NKKG) and first flown in 1941, the Ki-59 entered limited service with the IJA. It was produced in small numbers and used primarily for communication and staff transport duties in the Pacific theatre.
Variants
Only a single basic production variant is known; no major sub-types were developed before the programme concluded.
Where you'll see it
Operated exclusively by the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force in small numbers during World War II; none are known to survive.
Related aircraft
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