Description
Blended Winglets are wing tip extensions which provide several benefits to airplane operators. The Blended Winglets option increases the Next Generation 737's lead as the newest and most technologically advanced airplane in its class, and provides the same benefits to operators of 737 Classic models.
Benefits
Depending on the airplane, its cargo, the airline's routes and other factors, Blended Winglets can:
- Lower operating costs by reducing block fuel burn 3.5 to 4.0 percent on missions greater than 1,000 nautical miles
- Reduce engine maintenance costs
- Increase range up to 130 nautical miles
- Improve payload capability by up to 6,000 pounds (.5 to 3 metric tons)
- Improve takeoff performance and obstacle clearance
- Increase optimum cruise altitude capability
- Reduce community noise by 0.5 to 2.1 EPNdB (Effective Perceived Noise Level in Decibels) on takeoff and slight improvement on approach
- Lower emissions through lower cruise thrust
Dimensions
Each winglet is 8 feet long and 4 feet in width at the base, narrowing to approximately two feet at the tip.
Added Wingspan
Blended Winglets add approximately 5 feet to the airplane's total wingspan -- from 112 feet, 7 inches (34.3 meters) to 117 feet, 5 inches (35.7 meters). (All members of the new 737 family have the same wingspan.)
Offerability
Production and retrofit Blended Winglets for the Next-Generation 737 family are available through The Boeing Company (production) and Aviation Partners Boeing (retrofit). Aviation Partners Boeing (APB) is a joint venture partnership between The Boeing Company and Aviation Partners Inc.
Certification
Retrofit Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) were granted to APB as follows
- March 23, 2001 - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- May 4, 2001 - LBA (German regulatory agency)
- May 9, 2001 - Boeing program letter of definition was granted by both the FAA and JAA for Boeing production
- July 5, 2002 - Japanese Aviation Authority for partially provisioned wings and Oct. 19, 2002 for fully provisioned wings
- Oct. 10, 2007 - FAA retrofit STC for the Next-Generation 737-900
Availability
Blended Winglets are available as standard options on Next-Generation 737-700s, 737-800s, and 737-900ERs and are standard on all three models of Boeing Business Jets.
Retrofits are available for the Next-Generation 737-700 and 737-800, and on out-of-production models including the Next-Generation 737-900, 737-500, 737-300 and 757-200.
Development
Development of the first wide-body application of blended winglet technology is underway for the Boeing 767-300ER and 767-300F.