Air International 2008-09
M.Hirst - Don't Be A Drag. Fit Winglets /Commercial/
GKN Aerospace delivered blended winglets in July this year to Aviation Partners Boeing for certification flight tests on the 767-300ER. Marcus Bryson, CEO GKN Aerospace, has stated that the winglets can typically provide 6% block fuel saving, along with emissions reductions and payload and range improvements. This view gives an impression of scale to the 11ft high construction.
Most winglets are blended to effectively form a smooth, upturned wingtip, but the A320 (as seen here on a First Choice aircraft) is equipped with symmetrical winglets above and below the wing.
Condensation around this United Parcel Service McDonnell Douglas MD-11(F), taking off from Chek Lap Kok International Airport, dramatically illustrates the low-pressure generated on the upper surface of the wing. Also visible are vortices from the wingtips and tailplane.
Ryanair has capitalised on its Boeing 737-800's relatively large winglets to promote the airline. (Presumably for passengers who have forgotten which airline they are flying with.) The logo is also carried on the outer surface.