Shanghai, China – April 12, 2016… Aviation Partners®, Inc. (API) announced that less than a year after the initial FAA STC was granted for Split Scimitar Winglets (SSWs) on BBJ aircraft, there are already eight of the type wearing this revolutionary new Winglet technology. That’s in addition to almost 700 Next-Generation Boeing 737 airliners retrofitted by Aviation Partners Boeing (APB), a joint venture between API and The Boeing Company. The SSWs now have FAA and EASA STC approval for all BBJ, BBJ 2 and BBJ 3 aircraft.
The SSW retrofit, which provides a two plus percent range increase over the existing Blended Winglet™ configuration, essentially gives a 7-aux tank BBJ the range of an 8-aux tank airplane. The retrofit has already been accomplished on BBJs by several MROs, including Aloft AeroArchitects and Lufthansa Technik (both exhibiting at ABACE), and can be accomplished during green completion, interior refurbishment, routine maintenance, or as a standalone operation.
Using a newly patented API design, the SSW program completely redefines the aerodynamics of the existing Blended Winglet. The retrofit to the existing Blended Winglet consists of adding a new Scimitar-tipped large Ventral Strake, beef up of internal winglet structure, and replacement of the winglet tips with new aerodynamically shaped Scimitar tips. The unique feature of the SSW is that it builds on the existing Blended Winglet design to provide a significant performance improvement, and a dramatic new look, without increasing the existing wing span.
“We have seen significant interest in the SSW for BBJs, including from operators in China, for 2016 retrofits;” said Gary Dunn, API Vice President of Sales & Marketing, “But due to the vast number of shipsets being consumed by APB’s airline customers early planning is the key to securing a delivery position for a BBJ.”
API is the exclusive provider of SSWs for all BBJ, BBJ 2 and BBJ 3 aircraft; in addition to original Blended Winglets for VIP Boeing 757/767 as well as Falcon 900/2000/50 series and Hawker 800 series business jets.
Aviation Partners, Inc.
Seattle, Washington based Aviation Partners, Inc. (API) is the world leader in advanced Winglet technology. API’s patented Performance Enhancing Blended Winglets™ have been designed and certified for a number of commercial and business aircraft; applications include Boeing, Falcon, Hawker and Gulfstream airframes.
For further information contact:
Gary Dunn Vice President, Sales & Marketing
+1 206 310 2904 or +1 206 762 1171
gdunn@winglets.com
