It’s Sunday again, so it must be time for some more airplane art.
This week on final approach to Chicago O’Hare International Airport is a United Airlines Boeing 737-900ER. This plane is fitted with the latest in wingtip devices – The Split-Tip Scimitar Winglet!
United Airlines operate 112 Boeing 737-900ERs in its fleet (along with -700, -800, and -900 Boeing 737 Next Gen subtypes), forming the backbone of the US Domestic fleet.
However, we’re interested in the Split-Wing Scimitar Winglet – which was developed by Aviation Partners Boeing who developed the device. Apart from looking striking, the purpose of a wingtip device like the Split-Wing Scimitar Winglet is to reduce drag induced drag caused by wingtip vortices – and thus reduce the fuel bills airlines face. I took a look at this in 2013
United Airlines were the first to install these on their 737-800 fleet, and have expanded them as needed through their fleet.
Whilst 1.8% savings per flight doesn’t sound a lot – when it comes to fuel bills (commonly one of the largest expenses and airline has all those 1.8% add up quickly.
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