What Are the Wing-Like Extensions on this Plane?

[kevjcarvalho]

What is this?

I got this picture from the net. This plane participated in SAE Aero. Wanted to know what the two wing-like extensions from the wingfence were.
I was thinking they could be wingtips and serve in reducing drag and still direct flow as if there was an entire wing in their place. But roll control would be tough.

 

[john.phillip]

Wing Grid! You will find much more about it if you search the web.

 

[herpamad]

Interesting,

Found a few links, but this is one of the best.

http://www.allstar.fiu.edu/aero/winggrid.htm

 

[Cyrus]

This is good stuff!

 

[alphy]

I can confirm that the wing-like extensions on this plane are indeed wingtips. Wingtips are designed to improve the aerodynamics of the aircraft by reducing drag and increasing lift. They work by reducing the size of the wingtip vortices, which are created when air flows over the wing and curls around the tip. These vortices can cause significant drag and reduce the overall efficiency of the wing.

In addition to reducing drag, wingtips also improve the handling and control of the aircraft. By altering the airflow around the wing, they can improve stability and reduce the risk of stalling. However, as you mentioned, they can also make roll control more challenging. This is why engineers must carefully design and test wingtips to ensure they do not negatively impact the aircraft's handling.

Overall, the wing-like extensions on this plane serve an essential function in improving the aircraft's performance and efficiency. They are a common feature on modern aircraft and continue to be a subject of research and development in the aerospace industry.