Originally Posted by DownloadDog
As I understand, the B777 was Boeing's first aircraft designed with computers. As such, they believe they created a wing with an eliptical lift distribution (which produces the least induced drag) using varying cross-section and washout, and hence no need to use winglets (which reduce induced drag).
I assume Boeing had the ability to make an elliptical lift distribution before everybody got a computer. But a new wing normally doesn't need winglets. It is interesting when the weight increases and the wing has to fly at higher lift coefficients (thus higher induced drag).
The tendency by some manufacturers to fit everything with winglets is questioned sometimes. After all, the normal operational benefit is quite small.