Split Scimitar Winglets Installed On 737NG BBJ

The fifth in-service BBJ retrofitted with Split Scimitar Winglets (SSWs) is about to return to service after a full aircraft re-paint. The SSWs, developed by Aviation Partners Boeing (APB), a joint venture between API and The Boeing Company, recently received FAA and EASA STC approval for BBJs. SSWs are now available for retrofit on all in-service BBJ, BBJ 2 and BBJ 3 aircraft; in addition to being standard equipment on all new 737NG-based BBJ aircraft ordered after EBACE 2015.

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 Lufthansa Technik and PATS Aircraft (both exhibiting at NBAA) 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.

“Improving something as fantastic as the BBJ is quite a challenge,” said Gary Dunn, API Vice President of Sales & Marketing, “but Split Scimitar Winglets are the perfect upgrade for the airplane that has everything.”

In addition to the BBJ family, the SSW retrofit is FAA and EASA approved for Boeing 737-700, -800 and -900 series airliners, approximately 700 of which are already sporting this latest Winglet technology.

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.

FMI: www.winglets.com