What is A320 sharklet?

What is a “Sharklet?” A Sharklet is simply Airbus’ new term for a “winglet.” What’s a winglet? A winglet is a vertical wing-tip extension that improves the efficiency of an aircraft. Airbus has chosen to use the term “Sharklet” as a blended winglet design on an Airbus A320 has looks like a shark’s dorsal fin.

What is the function of sharklets?

To the naked eye, the difference between sharklets and winglets is in name only. Their purpose is to cut down on fuel—between 3.5 to seven per cent—by reducing aerodynamic drag, which they do by literally slashing through the air.

What are wing Sharklets?

Winglets or Sharklets are upward or downward curved extensions at the wing tips. Although they cause more weight and drag, winglets improve the environmental performance of an aircraft by reducing the induced drag caused by lift, thus minimizing fuel consumption.

What is the function of sharklets in A320neo aircraft?

Offered as an option on newly built aircraft, Sharklets have been specially designed for the Airbus A320 family to reduce fuel burn by up to an additional 3.5 percent on long routes of around 3000NM.

When did the Airbus A320 Sharklet come out?

This video clip traces the key milestones for Airbus’ Sharklets, from the 2009 announcement of these fuel-saving wingtip devices to delivery of the first Sharklet-equipped A320 jetliner in 2012. Sharklets are offered by Airbus as an option on new-build A320ceo Family aircraft, and they are standard on A320neo (new engine option) Family jetliners.

Can a Sharklet retrofit be used on an A320?

Operators of older in-service A320 Family aircraft will thus be able to benefit from the significant cost savings and performance improvements which the Sharklets are already delivering on new-build aircraft. This retrofit includes reinforcing the wing structure and adding the Sharklet wingtip device.

When did Airbus start offering Sharklet retrofit option?

Airbus has been delivering Sharklets as an option on new-build A320 Family aircraft since December 2012. In addition, the Sharklet retrofit option is being sold for newer aircraft delivered with the wings structurally reinforced in production. All members of the A320neo Family will be fitted with Sharklets as standard.

Why are there winglets on the Airbus A320?

“ [The] latest information on the A320 winglet testing is that the results indicate that although improvements were found in terms of cruise drag, the increase in structural weight that would be necessary to support the winglets largely offsets the gain”. – Airbus in 2006