The first two prototypes flew in November 1940 and were characterised by a longer fuselage, an altered wing support system and an overall lighter weight structure. It was also decided to use two 990 hp (739 kW) Nakajima Ha-25 14-cylinder air-cooled radial engines. The plane could carry 5,280 lbs (2395 kg) of cargo or up to 14 passengers. It utilized a four or three man crew depending on range and passenger/cargo capacity required. Overall it had better flight and handling characteristics than the Lockheed aircraft it was developed from. A total of 121 aircraft of this type were produced by Kawasaki before production was halted in September 1943.

(Army Type 1 Freight Transport - Kawasaki Ki-56)

Allied Codename: Thalia

Type: (Three Seat) Short or (Four Seat) Medium Range Transport

Accommodation/Crew: Pilot, Co-Pilot, Navigator and Radio Operator. (Short Range) Pilot, Co-Pilot, Navigator/Radio Operator.

Design: Kawasaki Kokuki Kogyo KK Design Team

Manufacturer: Kawasaki Kokuki Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha (The Kawasaki Aircraft Engineering Company Limited).

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

Performance: Maximum level speed 248 mph (399 km/h) at 11,480 ft (3500 m); service ceiling 24,300 ft (7405 m).

Range: 2,060 miles (3315 km) on maximum internal fuel (estimated) with 5,280 lbs (2395 kg) of cargo or 14 passengers.

Weight: Empty 10,300 lbs (4672 kg) with a maximum take-off weight of 17,692 lbs (8024 kg).

Dimensions: Span 65 ft 6 in (19.66 m); length 48 ft 10 in (14.88 m); height 11 ft 9 in (3.58 m); wing area 551.0 sq ft (51.19 sq m).

Armament: None.

Variants: Ki-56 - based on the licence built Ki-56 Army Type LO Transport (Lockheed 14-WG3B Export Version) later given the Allied Codename "Thelma".

Equipment/Avionics: Standard communications and navigation equipment.

History: First flight (prototype) November 1940; end production September 1943.