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Why do planes have bent wing tips?
They’re called winglets, and their purpose is to reduce turbulence at the tips of an airplane’s wings. The vortices created by a large airplane are strong enough to flip a smaller plane that is following too closely. By breaking up vortices, winglets reduce the drag on an airplane, which translates into fuel savings.
What is so special about the 777X?
The Boeing 777X is the latest series of the long-range, wide-body, twin-engine Boeing 777 family from Boeing Commercial Airplanes. The 777X features new GE9X engines, new composite wings with folding wingtips, greater cabin width and seating capacity, and technologies from the Boeing 787.
Why does the 777X not have winglets?
One reason that the 777 does not feature such wingtip extensions is the operational limits these would place on the aircraft. The 777-200LR and -300ER variants of the aircraft have a wingspan of 64.8 meters. Manufacturers also have to consider the added weight that winglets give to an aircraft.
How does Boeing’s 777X folding wingtips actually work?
The exact details of how the wingtips operate have not been made public. But Boeing states that it approached the design of the fold mechanism, locking pins and latches with the same thoroughness as it would any of its flight control systems. Can Boeing engender public trust in its innovative technologies? Photo: Boeing.com
How big is the wing on the 777X?
However, the motivations for Boeing to revolutionize the 777X’s wing design were not just based on fuel economy. At 71 meters, FlightGlobal reports that the 777X will boast Boeing’s widest ever wingspan. In contrast, first-generation 777 wingspans measured just 61 m (777-200ER/300) and 64.8 m (777-200LR/300ER).
Is the 777X based on the Boeing 787?
As Simple Flying reported last year, the 777X’s wings will be based on the design of those of the 787. The striking wing sweep on the Dreamliner makes it very easily recognizable compared to Boeing’s older designs. The ‘raked’ design of the 787’s wings has a similar function to winglets.
Is the 777X’s wingtips safe to fly?
In May 2018 the FAA was urged to issue special conditions in reference to the safety of the 777X’s wingtips. In the course of their deliberations the FAA demanded several assurances from Boeing. The company was required to prove beyond doubt the load-bearing viability of the wingtips.