Winglets

[A340_rulez]

HI
i know that winglets improve fuel burn and increae lift( i think) but what i dont know is how they work especially the type on the A320 family. Could somebody please inform me on how they work. Would be much appreciated!!

:O

[topcat450]

Two articles which are probably of use:

http://www.djaerotech.com/dj_askjd/dj_questions/winglet.html

And

http://www.airspacemag.com/ASM/Mag/Index/2001/AS/htww.html

Hope they're of use! :ok:

[A340_rulez]

thanks topcat. Considering i didn't know anything they have certainly helped. SOme of the vocabulary was difficult but i am only 15 and some of the terms written there went in one ear and out the other but hey thanks!!
:ok:

[747FOCAL]

Those winglets on Airbus planes don't do all that much. They need to be much bigger to get maximum benefit. :)

[rwm]

Apart from helping reduce fuel burn, they also may in some designs increase speed, reduce take off distance, reduce wake turbulents, and provide for some lateral/ longitudinal stability.

[Lu Zuckerman]

To: 747 Focal

Those winglets on Airbus planes don't do all that much. They need to be much bigger to get maximum benefit

Maybe, the reason they don't work well on Airbus aircraft is that Boeing designed them on a NASA contract. NASA turned the technology over to France for free but if an American firm wanted to use the technology they would have to pay NASA a licensing fee. So far, no takers.

:E

[Intruder]

According to a UAL A320 Captain the other night, they are actually "wingtip fences" -- not winglets -- and aid stability.

Looking out at the LE slats, I suspect they do a bit to stop spanwise flow near the wingtips, especially with the slats extended...