What would you like to be added?

Kubernetes currently supports raw block device volumes via volumeMode: Block (see raw block volume support). However, there is no support for raw character devices.

I would like Kubernetes to support a new volumeMode: CharDevice option for local volumes, allowing pods to consume character device files directly from the host (e.g., /dev/stX for tape drives).

Why is this needed?

Some specialised workloads rely on hardware accessible via character devices. Without native support, these workloads cannot be containerised using standard Kubernetes volume mechanisms.

Adding support for volumeMode: CharDevice would enable static provisioning of local PersistentVolumes backed by character devices. This would make Kubernetes a more viable platform for tape-based systems or other software relying on character devices.