Performance-enhancement specialist Boundary Layer Research (BLR) has begun flight testing winglets on a Beechcraft King Air 200 twin turboprop. US supplemental type certification is expected by October.
Everett, Washington-based BLR already produces a winglet kit for the Beechcraft Duke and 156 aircraft have been modified, says president Bob Desroche. The company is expecting to achieve a similar 3-5% cruise drag reduction with the King Air winglets.
In addition to reduced fuel consumption or increased speed in the cruise, BLR expects the winglets to reduce take-off speed and distance, improve climb performance and increase high-altitude stability. The composite winglets will be certificated first on the King Air 200/300, followed by the King Air 90 and 100, says Desroche.
Source: Flight International
