Summary Folding wingtips on Boeing 777X allow for greater efficiency and lift during flight. The large wingspan compliance with airport regulations ensures its accessibility globally. The folding wing design reduces interference drag, ensuring minimal fuel burn compared to predecessors.
While not in commercial service yet, the Boeing 777X will soon become the first commercial aircraft of this size to have folding wingtips. The tips of the wings are designed to fold on the ground during taxi and parking. The tips extend and lock in place before takeoff and when in the air.
Wider wings make the aircraft more efficient, while the folding mechanism allows for desirable maneuverability and operability at major airports. This article explores why Boeing adopted the folding-wing design and how it will benefit the operability and longevity of the aircraft. 1 Limited by the wingspan The aircraft wingspan determines which airports it can operate at When the idea for a new version of the iconic Boeing 777 was born, one of the first things put on the table was its ability to fly to airports where the existing 777s could .
Keeping the aircraft wingspan within the Code E limits was essential. Most commercial airports worldwide can handle aircraft with Code E standards (i.e.
, aircraft with a maximum wingspan of 213 feet). According to Boeing , “The new Boeing 777X will be the world’s largest and most efficient twin-engine jet, unmatched in every aspect of performance. With new breakthro.