Something new's been added!

[MCI transplant]

Will AA try this?        http://blogs.wsj.com/corporate-intelligence/2014/02/18/uniteds-new-plan-for-saving-fuel-more-wings/?mod=yahoo_hs

 

[MetalMover]

Interesting. But i wonder if an entirely new existing wing tip will have to be installed. Or can the existing winglet be modified.

 

[Flying low]

Interesting. But i wonder if an entirely new existing wing tip will have to be installed. Or can the existing winglet be modified.

Does United have the capability to do big structure work in Orlando? If not, then maybe simple bolt on mod.

 

[MetalMover]

Does United have the capability to do big structure work in Orlando? If not, then maybe simple bolt on mod.

All you really need is a crane to hoist the winglet in place.
We have changed winglets on the line after being damaged.

 

[1AA]

Interesting. But i wonder if an entirely new existing wing tip will have to be installed. Or can the existing winglet be modified.

 Using a newly patented design, the program consists of retrofitting United’s Boeing Next Generation 737 Blended Winglets by replacing the aluminum winglet tip cap with a new aerodynamically shaped “Scimitar”™ winglet tip cap and by adding a new Scimitar-tipped ventral strake.
 
 
http://worldairlinenews.com/tag/split-scimitar-winglet/

 

[MetalMover]

Thanks..Even better.

 

[MCI transplant]

All you really need is a crane to hoist the winglet in place.
We have changed winglets on the line after being damaged.

 That is true only if that particular Aircraft's wings have been modified to  except a winglet.------- That was one project I was involved in here at MCI before they shut us down. The beef up of internal wing structure of a number of AA's 757's, and the first prototype 767, was done here also. ------- But my question would be why hasn't AA been on top of this, if it will save fuel (money) as claimed?

 

[2ndGENAMT]

That is true only if that particular Aircraft's wings have been modified to  except a winglet.------- That was one project I was involved in here at MCI before they shut us down. The beef up of internal wing structure of a number of AA's 757's, and the first prototype 767, was done here also. ------- But my question would be why hasn't AA been on top of this, if it will save fuel (money) as claimed?

AA has been a little busy the last couple of years holding their employees by the ankles upside down shaking out as much cash as possible!

 

[xUT]

Interesting, when I left the Lazy'U in 2008 you had to have an ROI of 6 months 'or less' to do anything.
But it's not really United anymore, more like Continental in United's skin...
Just my 2 cents.
B) xUT

 

[Bob Owens]

I always wondered why winglets went up instead of down. If the idea is to keep the high pressure air beneath the wing and prevent it from rolling off the tip and creating a vortex it just seems like pointing down instead of up would work better.
 
Will AA do it? Why not? They got $10 billion to go on a spree with, and they have plenty of mechanics with minimal vacation, sick time and Holidays around to do the work.
 
Anybody notice that all three of the mechanics there look pretty old? Two are full grey and one is bald.

 

[MetalMover]

 That is true only if that particular Aircraft's wings have been modified to  except a winglet.------- That was one project I was involved in here at MCI before they shut us down. The beef up of internal wing structure of a number of AA's 757's, and the first prototype 767, was done here also. ------- But my question would be why hasn't AA been on top of this, if it will save fuel (money) as claimed?

You are right. I was referring to wingtip replacement only. The initial modification was way more involved.

 

[MCI transplant]

Interesting, when I left the Lazy'U in 2008 you had to have an ROI of 6 months 'or less' to do anything.
But it's not really United anymore, more like Continental in United's skin...
Just my 2 cents.
B) xUT

As it would appear AA isn't what it was when I retired in that same year, 2008, but is now US in AA skin! ------- The judge is still out on that, if it's a good thing, or not!

 

[MCI transplant]

AA has been a little busy the last couple of years holding their employees by the ankles upside down shaking out as much cash as possible!

That doesn't say too much for AA's Engineering Dept.! I'm just saying maybe they're a little behind the curve on this one.------ That's if they feel the savings is worth the cost of modifying the fleet. Only time will tell on that one.

 

[eolesen]

What's old is new again... the new winglet reminds me of the MD-11 winglet, but with more grace...

AA just split their business. UA and AS have stuck with Boeing of late, so Boeing is going to give preference to the airlines who have been loyal to them...

 

[700UW]

UA has A350s on order and it was recent, so UA is still buying from Airbus.