Tamarack Aerospace's Active Winglets Nearing Approval

First announced in 2013, Tamarack Aerospace Group's active winglet system is nearing European approval for use on straight-wing Cessna CJs, with FAA certification expected to follow. “We are currently on track to certify our active winglets on all CJ 525 models by the end of the year,” Tamarack COO Brian Cox told AIN. “Sometime in October, the EASA will submit the official validation package to the FAA, and we believe this process will culminate in STC issuance from the FAA early in the second quarter of 2016.” 

Unlike other aftermarket winglet installations that often require substantial reinforcements to the wing structure, Tamarack uses an active-technology load alleviation system (dubbed Atlas) to move a small control surface mounted near each winglet, which counters the aerodynamic stresses from wing loading and unloading. 

The company exhibited its CJ testbed at the Citation Jet Pilots Association convention held earlier this month in Colorado Springs.