Why Boeing opted for raked wingtips instead of winglets on its popular 777 jet

Winglets are upward extensions at a wing’s tip that reduce drag by changing airflow patterns around the wingtip vortices. They have been shown to save airlines significant amounts of fuel over time—between four and six percent according to NASA research from Richard Whitcomb in the 1970s—which translates into millions of dollars in savings for operators. There are several types of winglets in use today, including split scimitar winglets and sharklets.

For future variants like the Boeing 777X, new technology has been introduced: folding wingtips. These allow for an expanded wingspan during flight (up to 71 meters) but retract on the ground so that the aircraft still fits within existing gate infrastructure for code E airports. This innovation provides more versatility for airlines while preserving compatibility with medium and large airports.

Other widebody jets have taken different approaches regarding their wingtips. The Airbus A350 features various sizes of winglets depending on customer requirements; newer models include larger versions for better aerodynamic performance without increasing geometric wingspan.

In summary, Boeing chose raked wingtips over traditional winglets for its flagship widebody model mainly to keep its wingspan below key regulatory limits while still achieving significant aerodynamic gains.