Aviation Partners Boeing (APB) announced at NBAA it is launching a split scimitar winglet retrofit programme for the family of 737NG-based Boeing Business Jets.
The newly-patented technology, which adds a ventral strake and a scimitar cap to APB’s blended winglet, is now entering the business aviation market after being introduced in commercial service in July by United Airlines.
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APB estimates the upgrade on the BBJ will help reduce drag on long-range flights. The improved aerodynamics should increase range by 2.5-3%, or as much as 200nm (370km) on long-range flights. Aviation Partners founder and chief executive Joe Clark calls the split-scimitar winglet “tremendously compelling”.
“Based on our ongoing study of laminar flow we believe further improvements in drag reduction will be available in the near future,” Clark says.
The BBJ, BBJ2, and BBJ3 are eligible for the upgrade. The company expects to receive a supplemental type certificate from the FAA for all three models next year.
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Source: Flight Daily News
