Winglet Technology, LLC and Textron Aviation, Inc. have collaborated to develop the world’s fastest winglet for the world’s fastest civilian aircraft with a top speed of .92 Mach. Winglet Technology worked closely with Textron Aviation, Inc. to develop a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) permitting the installation of the Elliptical winglets on the Cessna Citation X business jet.
The Elliptical winglet upgrade provides Citation X owners and operators with greater operational flexibility along with increased speed at altitude. The Elliptical winglet design provides superior aerodynamic performance across a broad range of Mach numbers and operating conditions. The Elliptical winglet design optimizes the lift distribution along the span of the wing, which significantly reduces the induced drag of the aircraft. The resulting drag reduction enhances the overall operational performance and provides significant performance benefits for the Citation X.
The STC includes updated Airplane Flight Manual and Operations Manual Supplements, updated FMS TOLD, and updated version of CESSNAV for customers who have previously purchased the CESSNAV subscription. The STC has been approved for pre-172 serial numbers with a 400 lb MTOW increase and a 150 lb MZFW increase for all serial numbers.
Winglet Technology received FAA approval of the Citation X winglet STC in June 2009. Since that time, the Citation X winglet STC has been approved by EASA (Europe), TCCA (Canada), ANAC (Brazil), and DGAC (Mexico).
The Elliptical winglet design provides significant performance improvements for the Citation X, including increased speed at higher altitudes, improved take-off performance, reduced time-to-climb, increased range and payload, improved cross wind capability, and improved directional stability.
- Increased speed at higher altitudes
- Improved hot day / high altitude take-off performance
- Higher initial flight levels
- Reduced time-to-climb
- Increased range capability
- Improved climb gradient
- Reduced fuel consumption
Up to 8% for high speed cruise flight profiles - Reduced direct operating costs
En-route technical stop avoidance
Up to 2,100 lb fuel savings per technical stop avoided - Enhanced aircraft resale value
100% Blue Book value of installed winglet STC
The STC Installation includes the installation of the Elliptical winglets, structural reinforcement to the outboard wing, navigation/anti-collision light in the wing and tail, FMS TOLD update, and 150 lb MZFW increase.
The winglet construction is a core stiffened carbon/epoxy laminate design which is impact damage resistant. The integrated composite design eliminates external fasteners, giving it a smooth and sleek appearance. The leading edge skins are polished aluminum, and are attached with removable screws, allowing replacement in the event of damage. The winglet attachment to the wing is an interchangeable joint which allows for convenient winglet replacement. The winglet and tail exterior lighting system utilizes all LED lights for significantly improved reliability.
Winglet Technology provides 24/7 product support of the Citation X winglet STC including spare parts and rental winglets. Winglet Technology also provides 24/7 technical support of the Citation X winglet STC.
