STC Granted For Installation On 737-800 Aircraft

The FAA has awarded Supplemental Type Certification (STC) to Aviation Partners Boeing (APB) for Split Scimitar Winglets to be installed on Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The Split Scimitar Winglet program is the culmination of a five-year design effort using the latest computational fluid dynamic technology to redefine the aerodynamics of the Blended Winglet into an all-new Split Scimitar Winglet. The unique feature of the Split Scimitar Winglet is that it uses the existing Blended Winglet structure, but adds new strengthened spars, aerodynamic scimitar tips, and a large ventral strake.

"The APB team's unique expertise combined with support from the FAA allowed STC issuance to come just weeks after completion of flight tests." said Mike Stowell, Aviation Partners Boeing executive vice president and chief technical officer. "We have seen record breaking pre-certification orders on this program demonstrating the credibility our products have developed with the marketplace. Including our program launch customer, United Airlines, who has now partnered with APB on five unique certification programs, we expect to see a dozen airlines operating Split Scimitar Winglets in revenue service within the next couple of months."

APB will develop and certify the Split Scimitar Winglet modification for all of the Boeing 737-700, 800 and 900 series aircraft including Boeing Business Jets. APB expects to start certification flight testing on the 737-900ER in mid-February achieving certification by late July 2014.

"We continue to develop the world's best aircraft drag reduction technology thereby reducing fuel usage and lessening aircraft environmental impact," said Bill Ashworth, Aviation Partners Boeing president and chief executive officer. "Our winglet systems have had such a profound impact on aviation and the environment that in 2012 APB was named as the recipient of the prestigious Corporate Award for Balance, by the Charles A. and Anne Morrow Lindbergh Foundation. The Award is presented for technological initiatives that have balanced technology and nature to significantly improve aviation and the general quality of life."

(Image provided by APB)

FMI: www.aviationpartnersboeing.com