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The Pilatus SB-2 Pelican was a civil utility aircraft developed by the newly formed
Pilatus Aircraft
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. is an aerospace manufacturer located in Stans, Switzerland. In June 2016, the company employed 1,905 people.
The company has mostly produced aircraft for niche markets, in particular short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraf ...
company and the ETH Zurich
(colloquially)
, former_name = eidgenössische polytechnische Schule
, image = ETHZ.JPG
, image_size =
, established =
, type = Public
, budget = CHF 1.896 billion (2021)
, rector = Günther Dissertori
, president = Joël Mesot
, ac ...
during World War II
World War II or the Second World War, often abbreviated as WWII or WW2, was a world war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's countries—including all of the great powers—forming two opposin ...
.
Design and development
The previous project of a four-seater STOL experimental aircraft under the designationPilatus SB-1
Pilatus may refer to: People
* Pontius Pilate (Latin: Pontius Pilatus, died 39 AD), Roman governor of Judea
* Leontius Pilatus (died 1366), Greek Calabrian scholar
* Rob Pilatus (1965–1998), artist and member of group Milli Vanilli
Other uses
* ...
was not implemented, followed by the SB-2, which was intended for commercial use.
Work on the SB-2 Pelican, a special “slow-flying” aircraft, commenced in the winter of 1941. Good short takeoff and landing credentials, plus steep climbing capabilities, were essential attributes of the aircraft flown in the narrow Alpine valleys at that time. The aircraft was designed to carry four to six passengers.
The configuration of the SB-2 was slightly unusual, in that it was provided with tricycle undercarriage
Tricycle gear is a type of aircraft undercarriage, or ''landing gear'', arranged in a tricycle fashion. The tricycle arrangement has a single nose wheel in the front, and two or more main wheels slightly aft of the center of gravity. Tricycle ge ...
(an uncommon feature at the time), and a wing that had a slight forward sweep.
The Pilatus SB-2 also served as the basis for a slightly larger STOL aircraft with a larger cargo and passenger capacity, the Pilatus SB-5. However, the Pilatus SB-5 was never built.Pilatus SB-2 Pelican: Das Schweizer Bergflugzeug 1938–1949. Studienbüro für Spezialflugzeuge, Kuno Gross, .
Operational history
The SB-2 made its maiden flight on 30 May 1944. After extensive trials, the only model built went to Alpar AG inBern
german: Berner(in)french: Bernois(e) it, bernese
, neighboring_municipalities = Bremgarten bei Bern, Frauenkappelen, Ittigen, Kirchlindach, Köniz, Mühleberg, Muri bei Bern, Neuenegg, Ostermundigen, Wohlen bei Bern, Zollikofen
, website ...
. The Pelikan was particularly well suited for passenger operations, but could also be used for aerial photography, survey flights, freight transport and agricultural work.
During an air display on 13 June 1948, the Pelican flipped over because the nosewheel sheared off from an unnoticed transverse fracture. It was damaged beyond repair.
Specifications (SB-2)
See also
Further reading
*Pilatus SB-2 Pelican Das Schweizer Bergflugzeug 1938–1949, Studienbüro für Spezialflugzeuge, Kuno Gross, .References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Pilatus Sb-2 1940s Swiss civil utility aircraft High-wing aircraft Single-engined tractor aircraft SB-2 Forward-swept-wing aircraft Aircraft first flown in 1944