Originally Posted by
UAL T38 Phlyer
I'm not an expert on E170/175/190/195, hence my question:
I jumpsat (?) on a E175 the other day. It had small, vertical winglets, similar to a Boeing in shape and orientation, except for scale.
But I've seen far more (in Houston) that have the huge "bat wing" winglets that are much bigger, and are at an angle far more reminiscent of an F-4 than an airliner.
So, what is the difference in the two winglets? Early or late model, or is it specific to certain airplanes in the series, ie, 175s small winglet; 195s big winglet?
BTW: it's a comfortable ride in the back, and I still hope we get these at mainline someday.
Did some research on-line but couldn't find anything.
From an efficiency point of view, a straight vertical winglet cuts down on spanwise flow, but it's also several pounds of wing that isn't providing any lift. I think the idea by having the more angled, split-scimitar and tapering tips with less upsweep, you still cut down on spanwise flow, but get a little more span and upwards lift, without carrying around extra weight like with a straight vertical winglet.
Thoughts anyone?