In addition to an already attention-grabbing design, the Aviation Partners, Inc. (API) Split Scimitar winglet displayed on the exhibit floor at the NBAA Convention also sports a custom paint scheme that pays tribute to the U.S. military.

“People often tell me our winglets are works of art, so what better way to showcase this art than applying a one-of-a-kind livery to honor America’s servicemen and women, veterans and fallen heroes,” said API founder and CEO Joe Clark. API (Booth 3899) is based in Seattle, Wash.

Introduced for BBJ2 and BBJ3 aircraft at last year’s NBAA show, the Split Scimitar design uses API’s existing Blended Winglet structure and adds strengthened spars, aerodynamic scimitar tips and a large ventralfin. More than 100 Split Scimitar-equipped 737-800 and 737-900ER airliners are flying today.

“The Split Scimitar winglet range benefit is tremendously compelling given the missions many BBJ owners undertake,” said Gary Dunn, vice president of sales and marketing for API.

API touts a 2.5- to 3-percent improvement in range with the Split Scimitars, adding 200 nm or more in long-range operations over the earlier blended design. Dunn added that API’s ongoing laminar-flow research may yield additional improvements in the future. Certification is also underway to retrofit the design to 737-700 and BBJ aircraft.