Performance Improvement of the CRJ700 Aircraft Using Adaptive Winglets with Variable Twist Angle

This study investigates the potential of adaptive winglets with variable twist angles to improve the aerodynamic and energy performance of the Bombardier CRJ700. CFD simulations conducted in Star-CCM+, validated with a level-D flight simulator at LARCASE, reveal that twist adaptation can significantly reduce drag. A trajectory-based performance analysis shows that, during climb, adaptive winglets can reduce fuel consumption and climb time by up to 1.24% and 1.82%, respectively, or an increase of the ground distance by up to 2.67%. In cruise, fuel savings reach up to 0.4%. These results highlight the effectiveness of adaptive winglets in enhancing regional jet efficiency.