GENEVA, May 14, 2012 – The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) placed a purchase order with BLR Aerospace for 18 Winglet Systems and will install the Winglet Systems on its King Air 300 fleet. The Winglets will include recently certified LED lighting systems.
The company recently delivered the FAA’s first two Winglet Systems. Delivery of an additional 16 ship sets will be timed to support the FAA’s back-to-back installation schedule.
“BLR could not be happier or more proud that the nation’s aviation authority has chosen to fly with our product,” said Dave Marone, the company’s vice president of Sales and Marketing.
Winglets enhance aerodynamics and safety for the King Airs on which they are installed, and operators report a range of handling and operational benefits, including fuel savings. Fuel consumption can be reduced by 5 percent, an important consideration as the price of fuel continues to climb. In addition, Winglets deliver a 100 percent return on investment, according to Carl Janssen of the Aircraft Bluebook-Price Digest.
Seidler Aviation added Winglets to its King Air B200 in 2011. “Our previous climb rate was around 1,500 feet per minute at 140 knots,” said Max Quartermain, operator for Seidler Aviation. “We are now climbing at 2,000 feet per minute at 150 knots.” Quartermain described the fuel savings as “significant over long legs,” adding that he would recommend BLR Winglets to anyone considering them for a B200.
Winglets increase wingspan (by 3 feet 5 inches) as well as wing aspect ratio, lowering induced drag. Reduced drag makes for faster flying on lower fuel consumption. Winglets also act as a physical pressure barrier, which conserves valuable lift at the outboard extremities. Safety is enhanced through improvements to handling, OEI climb, and slow flight, Marone said. The advanced LED System is especially helpful for pilots who frequently fly at night, and is far more reliable and visible than incandescent lighting systems.
Winglets are standard equipment on the Hawker Beechcraft King Air 250 and King Air 90GTx.
BLR representatives are available to discuss and take orders for Winglet Systems and other performance-enhancing products during the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE), Exhibit 1931, May 14-16 in Geneva, Switzerland.
About BLR Aerospace
BLR Aerospace is focused on developing the highest performance aerodynamic solutions in the industry, and we back our superior designs with unsurpassed manufacturing quality. Note: BLR is no longer known as Boundary Layer Research and appreciates the news media’s support in accurately using the BLR Aerospace name.
