Winglet Technology Gets STC for Sovereign Weight Boost
The FAA STC nod permits a 475-pound increase in the Sovereign’s MTOW and a 200-lb increase in MZFW.

Winglet Technology received FAA STC approval for maximum takeoff weight (mtow) and maximum zero fuel weight (mzfw) increases for Cessna Citation Sovereigns equipped with the company’s Transitional winglet designs. The FAA STC nod permits a 475-pound increase in the Sovereign’s mtow and a 200-pound increase in mzfw.


The Wichita-based winglet specialist initially obtained FAA STC approval for installation of the winglets on the Sovereign in June 2017. The winglets provide a gradual transition from the horizontal wing surface to the vertical winglet surface to improve the wing's aerodynamics.


The result enables higher maximum cruise speeds at altitude, greater range, and improved weight, altitude, and temperature (WAT) performance, Winglet Technology said, adding this provides more flexibility in hot/high operations. Flight-testing has confirmed a 35-ktas increase at FL450, and the ability to climb direct to FL450 in 28 minutes at the higher mtow, the company said.


The winglets add 90 pounds to the empty weight, which results in a 385-pound useful payload increase. The upgrade further increases wingspan from 63 feet, 4 inches to 69 feet, 6 inches.


Winglet Technology is working with Textron Aviation and Honeywell to revise the takeoff and landing data to cover the 475-pound mtow increase and second-segment climb improvement. In the meantime Winglet Technology is working with Textron Aviation to update the Cesnav Citation Performance Calculator and Electronic Operating Manual to reflect the improved takeoff performance.