Active Multi-Winglets for Improved Aircraft Performance and Ride

This program will produce prototypes of aircraft wingtip treatments to reduce induced drag without increasing span of aircraft wings, and to reduce wind dynamic responses for improved ride. The advantages of conventional winglets have been demonstrated ontransport aircraft and business jets. Phase I of this effort demonstrated that even greater results can be obtained by modified winglets of new design. Phase II will develop and demonstrate prototype models of these new winglets that can be used for avariety of applications in unmanned air vehicles, general aviation craft, and commercial airliners. The incorporation of all the innovations proposed here will produce maximum reduction in induced drag, leading to improved range and endurance, andreduction on wing dynamic response, leading to improved ride quality and fatigue life.