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Winglets are designed to enhance aircraft performance by minimizing the effects of wingtip vortices
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reducing lift-induced drag and improving take-off and climb performance. They also contribute to fuel efficiency, making them a valuable addition to an industry driven by cost efficiency and environmental concerns
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Despite these benefits, Boeing chose a different path for its 787. Instead of traditional winglets, the 787 is equipped with raked wingtips
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These triangular-shaped wingtips, with a greater sweep angle than the rest of the wing
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offer a similar reduction in wingtip vortices without the added weight of extra components
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Research by Boeing and NASA demonstrated that raked wingtips provide a greater drag reduction of 5.5
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compared to traditional winglets of 3.5 to 4.5%. This design choice contributes significantly to the 787's fuel efficiency without compromising its performance
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The Boeing 787 is not alone in its winglet-free design. The Boeing 777 family also utilizes raked wingtips
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For the 777, winglets would have caused its wingspan to exceed the 65m limit set by the International Civil Aviation Organization's Aerodrome Code E
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The newer Boeing 777X series addresses this by featuring folding wingtips, allowing it to adhere to these spatial restrictions while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency
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In summary, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner's design, including its raked wingtips, represents a strategic approach to maximizing fuel efficiency and performance without the need for traditional winglets
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Have you flown on a 787 Dreamliner? Share your experience in the comments below
