How Winglets Work
A winglet is a near vertical extension of the wing tips.
The upward angle (or cant) of the winglet, its outward angle (or toe), as well as its size and shape are critical for correct performance, and unique in each application.
The vortex which rotates around from below the wing strikes the cambered surface of the winglet, generating a force that angles inward and forward, similar to a sailboat sailing close to the wind.
The winglet converts some of the otherwise wasted energy in the wing tip vortex to thrust.
Winglet Benefits
Winglet Benefits:
- Improved lift to drag ratio
- Fuel savings
- More range
- Faster climbs to altitude
- Higher initial cruising altitude
- Reduced emissions
- Improved stall and stability
- New look
- High residual value
With Fuel Costs at record highs, our focus must be to do everything we can to reduce unnecessary fuelconsumption without sacrificing performance or safety.
Aerodynamic improvements are an excellent way to accomplish this.
We have the most fuel efficient pressurized twin, and State of the Art, Blended Winglets offer a very cost effective way to further enhance our Aerostar’s aerodynamic efficiency.
Winglet Testing Using Computational Fluid Dynamics
Computational Fluid Dynamics CFDComputers are used to perform the millions of calculations required to simulate the interaction of fluids and gases with complex surfaces.
Winglet History
The Winglet concept has dated back to 1897.
After the cost of jet fuel increased in the 1973 oil crisis, the concept of winglets as a fuel saving aid was further developed by Richard Whitcomb, an engineer at NASA’s Langley Research Center.
