An aerodynamic surface attached to the outer tip of an aircraft wing, usually angled upward. It is designed to reduce induced drag by breaking up the turbulent vortices that form as high-pressure air from beneath the wing spills over to the low-pressure upper surface. Adding these extensions improves fuel efficiency, increases range, and allows for a steeper climb rate.
The maintenance crew found a bird strike dent on the starboard winglet during the walkaround.
Winglets are a common retrofit on older airliners because the fuel savings quickly pay for the installation cost.
Related terms
Wing in ground effect
The aerodynamic phenomenon where a wing generates extra lift and less drag near the surface.
Control surface
A movable aerodynamic flap or panel used to steer and stabilize an aircraft in flight.
Drag parachute
A parachute deployed from the tail of an aircraft or spacecraft to provide aerodynamic braking.