Elliptical winglets take off

A Citation X aircraft built by Cessna that features elliptical winglets developed by Wichita-based Winglet Technology made its maiden flight this week, collecting data to support Winglet Technology's effort to obtain FAA and EASA supplemental type certificates (STC's) for its patented winglet design.

'Winglets will improve the range and payload on hot days or at airports with high altitudes', said Fort Felker, Winglet Technology's vice president for engineering. 'It will allow the plane to hold more weight - passengers, baggage or fuel - on those flights. Frequently, you can't take off with as much weight as you'd like on a hot day, and the winglets make a big difference,' Felker added.

Cessna announced in March that it had joined with Wichita-based Winglet Technology to evaluate Citation applications for the elliptical winglet. The unique elliptical winglet, an upturned extension that fits on the tip of the wing, will be tested for use as a retrofit on Citation X jets.