#LivingArchives – The Pelican in the University Archives
Have you ever asked yourself what role the holdings of the Collections and Archives at ETH Zurich play in a day-to-day context? The numerous treasures are by no means only of relevance to current research and teaching. In the #LivingArchives video campaign, we demonstrate how an almost forgotten mountain aircraft, the SB-2 Pelican, was resurrected on the basis of blueprints held in the University Archives.
From archived blueprints to a model plane and a publication
Markus Frey and Kuno Gross are at the heart of the #LivingArchives campaign. Markus Frey builds model planes in his spare time, while Kuno Gross devotes his to writing about historical aircraft. They are both interested in the SB-2 Pelican aircraft, which was developed at ETH Zurich in the 1940s and built by Pilatus AG.
The ETH Library accompanied the pair as they embarked on the project. Over the course of three episodes, learn how Markus Frey built the model plane, and discover the insights Kuno Gross gained about this aircraft, previously consigned to oblivion. (The videos are available in German only.)
Episode 1: source materials in the ETH Zurich University Archives
The unusual journey of Markus Frey and Kuno Gross begins as they consult source materials at the ETH Zurich University Archives, scrutinising the blueprints and correspondence relating to the SB-2 Pelican.
Episode 2: Wind beneath the wings
The Pelican led Markus Frey into ETH Zurich's wind tunnel. He examines the optimal flap positions and the load limits of his model using a test piece. Meanwhile, Kuno Gross explores the mysterious history of the aircraft.
Episode 3: The flight of the Pelican
Markus Frey faces the greatest of all challenges: the maiden flight of his model. Also for Kuno Gross, it is now time to complete his work. What fascinated him the most and how could the ETH Zurich University Archives help him? Meanwhile, Markus Frey is putting the finishing touches on the model. 70 years after the original, the Pelican rolls back onto an airfield and awakens memories of a special guest.
