The American company Vortex Control Technologies (VCT) has reached a significant milestone: The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has that FAA-Supplementary Type Certificate for the installation of its aerodynamic fins on aircraft of the type Boeing 737NG agreed.
This technology, known as VCT Finlets, improves aircraft performance by reducing drag. The approval now allows airlines in Europe and other countries that use the EASAcertification, using technology that has already been proven in the United States. This step marks the beginning of an expansion for the company, whose aerodynamic solutions have already proven effective in practice. VCT Finlets are an attractive option for operators seeking to make their existing aircraft more efficient, particularly given the long delivery times for new aircraft models.
Years of research lead to European approval
The VCT Finlets are a patented arrangement of small, aerodynamic fins installed on the rear fuselage of the aircraft. Their function is to modify airflow, reduce drag, and improve aircraft performance. This results in increased range and better climb performance. EASA-Validation for the Boeing 737NGModels 737-700, 737-800 and 737-900ER is the result of years of research and development work. Gil Morgan, CEO of VCT, described the approval as the “culmination of years of research, development and collaboration on both sides of the Atlantic.” The approval now granted allows VCTto distribute its technology to airlines across Europe and beyond.
The aviation industry is constantly looking for new ways to make aircraft more efficient. Similar to the popular winglets, which also reduce air resistance, offer the VCT Finlets a way to increase the performance of older aircraft already in service.
The installation of the finlets is relatively simple and can be completed in less than one day per aircraft. According to the company, the technology has undergone extensive testing, including wind tunnel tests, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and flight tests. The FAA has already certified the system.
Successful applications in practice
The advantages of the VCT Finlets are not just theoretical but have already been proven in practice. In the United States, the low-cost airline Avelo Airlines the technology across its entire 737NGfleet. After 18 months of successful operation, Avelo recently ordered additional Finlets to equip its growing fleet. The airline had initially forecast annual fuel savings of 560.000 gallons. These figures were confirmed by operational data, according to the company, leading to the follow-on order. Avelo Airlines was the first airline to 737-800 with the VCT Finlets and the second airline in the world to install the technology across its entire fleet.
The technology has also found applications outside of civil aviation. U.S. Air Force tests the finlets on MC-130J-machines to improve their operational capabilities. As part of flight tests on the Eglin Air Force Base The airworthiness of the aluminum fins mounted on the rear door and the sides of the tail unit was tested. The legendary transport aircraft C-130 Hercules was equipped with technology to increase its range.
In Europe, there were already EASA-Validation a successful implementation. The Turkish airline SunExpress became the launch customer for the FinletsTurkey is not a EASAMember State, which enabled installation even before official European approval. SunExpress initially installed the finlets on five 737-800aircraft and plans to operate the entire 737-800fleet with the aerodynamic fins. The decision was made following a successful in-service evaluation. Over 40 additional aircraft are to be equipped in the coming years.
Future prospects in a growing market
The EASA-Validation of VCT Finlets This opens up a huge market for the company in Europe. Many airlines that Boeing 737NGaircraft are looking for ways to modernize their fleets and reduce operating costs. The ongoing delays in the delivery of newer aircraft models such as the Boeing 737 MAX or Airbus A320neofamily, are forcing many operators to keep their older aircraft in service longer. VCT Finlets offer a cost-effective and straightforward way to improve the performance of these machines without having to wait for new aircraft.
The technology is particularly attractive for airlines seeking to maximize their existing assets while simultaneously increasing operational efficiency. The official approval now received is a decisive step that massively expands the commercial availability of the technology on the European market. It is expected that more airlines will adopt the VCT Finlets will be installed to take advantage of the improved aerodynamics.