What is the function of winglets on aircraft wings?

Winglets are small, vertical extensions at the tips of airplane wings designed to enhance aerodynamic efficiency. Their primary function is to reduce drag caused by the formation of vortices at the wing tips as the aircraft moves through the air. This drag, known as induced drag, arises from the pressure difference between the upper and lower surfaces of the wing, which leads to the creation of swirling air patterns.

By reducing these vortices, winglets significantly improve fuel efficiency, allowing aircraft to fly further and with lower fuel consumption. This attribute is increasingly important in modern aviation, where operational costs and environmental impact are key considerations. Consequently, the incorporation of winglets is a major innovation aimed at enhancing overall flight performance.

While winglets contribute indirectly to stability and can influence take-off and landing characteristics, their primary and most notable role lies in drag reduction and fuel efficiency improvement.