EVERETT, WA, Feb. 7, 2007 — Market acceptance of Winglet Systems for King Air 200s has surpassed even BLR Aerospace’s high expectations, with deliveries and installations rocketing from zero to 50 in just one year — the same time BLR was aggressively expanding its dealer network and certifying yet another new Winglet product.
“Our fleet is 50 strong,” said Dave Marone, director of Sales and Marketing. “This milestone is a point of pride, just as we are proud to develop and deliver the performance-enhancing products operators want.”
First certified for Super King Air 200s in November 2005, Winglets reduce drag, save fuel, increase cruise speed, boost vertical rate of climb and provide practical access to the RVSM flight levels — all while improving handling qualities for the King Airs on which they are installed.
A Winglet System for King Air 300s was certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in October 2006, and 10 systems have been ordered to date. Optional de-ice boots that extend de-icing coverage to the leading edge of Winglet-equipped King Air 200s also were introduced in 2006, and will be available for King Air 300s in the near future.
The popularity of the Winglet Systems has also accelerated expansion of the dealer network, which currently numbers 22. Two of the dealers, Elliott Aviation and Cutter Aviation, have completed 15 and 10 Winglet conversions, respectively.
“The demand for BLR Winglet Systems has been exceptional,” said Wynn Elliott, president of Elliott Aviation. “Our customers are extremely satisfied with the enhanced performance they’ve experienced, and we are pleased to be recognized as a top dealer for this product.”
Winglet performance improvement is 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.
BLR is also developing a similar Winglet system for the King Air 90 family of aircraft, and certification is expected later this year.
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 more than 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.