EVERETT, WA, June 12, 2006 — Certification of performance-enhancing winglets for King Air 300 aircraft is imminent, and a limited number of production slots may be reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis, BLR Aerospace officials announced today.
First deliveries of the King Air 300 winglet systems are expected to begin in September.
Winglets are already available for Super King Air 200s, and BLR expects to receive a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for King Air 300 winglets in 60-90 days, according to Dave Marone, the company’s director of Sales and Marketing.
The winglet system delivers a range of benefits, including increased cruise speed and vertical rate of climb, reduced drag and fuel consumption, and improved handling qualities. A King Air 200 with winglets, for example, is able to achieve RVSM flight levels that were previously not practical.
These performance improvements are a direct result of an increase in effective wingspan and associated increase in aspect ratio combined with the beneficial impact of the winglet acting as a physical pressure barrier, conserving valuable lift.
The list of winglet customers and a rapidly expanding dealer network read like a “Who’s Who” of aviation.
Dealers include Cutter Aviation Inc., Elliott Aviation, Executive Flight Inc., Flightcraft, Jet Center MFR, Galvin Flying Service, Landmark Aviation, Stevens Aviation, Mather, NAC (South Africa), Tulsair Beechcraft, Western Aircraft, and Wiggins Airways.
BLR designs, develops, manufactures and markets airframe aerodynamic enhancements for fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. BLR’s 15-year history of aerodynamic innovation has produced nearly 60 FAA STC approvals for after-market aircraft modifications. The company’s primary product lines involve airflow manipulation technologies; vortex generators, winglets, tail boom strakes, and specially designed products all aimed at improving aircraft performance.