Tamarack has already transformed 10% of the CitationJet fleet — and it's no wonder pilots worldwide love our technology; Active Winglets truly are the ultimate upgrade. In fact, we've just welcomed our very first 3X customer to the Tamarack family!
With so many options and upgrades to enhance their jets, why do savvy aviators choose Active Winglets for their CJs? It could be the incredible performance benefits (the cost of Tamarack Active Winglets is recouped in fuel savings alone in approximately 3.6 years.) Or it could be the fantastic VREF value (VREF has valued Active Winglet-equipped aircraft at 100% of their purchase price). And let's not forget the most obvious factor — a CJ with Active Winglets is just plain sexy. There's no comparing a "flat-wing" CitationJet with the bold, capable stance of a Tamarack-enhanced aircraft.
But don't take our word for it; meet Jim Plettner. When Plettner recently sold his upgraded CitationJet 525, he was met with a simple, easy, and quick sale, predominately thanks to the performance benefits of the Active Winglet modification. He originally purchased the aircraft three years ago with 3,200 flight hours and made the sale with 3,700 hours accrued for$140,000 more than the cost and investment in upgrades. In addition to the Active Winglet modification, the CitationJet also had upgraded Dual 750 avionics, an N1 computer, and a backup SAM attitude indicator, leaving the turnkey aircraft undeniably sellable and in ideal condition.
Plettner's broker was extremely positive regarding the resale of an Active Winglet-transformed CitationJet and had an asking price offer withinthree daysof the aircraft being on the market.
“I don’t think the Winglets depreciated at all in the three years I’ve had them,” shared Plettner. “In fact, I think they are a substantial part of what sold my plane.”
Although the new owners were not particularly searching for Active Winglets initially, they were considering a Phenom 100 or CitationJet. With the assistance of a knowledgeable source advising them on aircraft, they quickly realized the difference in performance between CitationJets with and without Active Winglets, notably the range benefits. For example, a flat-wing Cessna CJ/CJ1 aircraft that could fly three hours nonstop before installing Active Winglets can now fly four hours nonstop on the same fuel with Active Winglets – meaning fewer fuel stops, downtime, and money spent.
As Plettner enters the market again for a new aircraft, he suggests that another CitationJet equipped with Active Winglets would be suitable for him. The ability to land at slower speeds, carry more weight, and use less fuel is any aircraft owner's ideal flight.
Active Winglets brought incredible value and performance benefits for Plettner’s Active Winglets brought incredible value and performance benefits for Plettner's aircraft, accompanied by safety benefits to match. This kind of investment can be measured in multiple-on-returns, as the value of the aircraft increased when Active Winglets were installed. Not only do Active Winglets save fuel, provide comfort, and execute missions nonstop, but they also provide a way for aircraft owners to work a profit when it comes time to sell.
One of the most sought-after benefits of flying with Active Winglet technology is the Maximum Zero Fuel Weight (MZFW)increase. MZFW is the maximum allowable aircraft weight,not includingfuel on board. Since aircraft wings suspend the aircraft cabin between them, the weight limitation is determined by the aircraft's ability to support the aircraft weight without inertial relief from the weight of fuel stored in the wings.
Simply put, an Active Winglet transformed aircraft can hold much, much more than a stock aircraft, allowing for takeoff with an additional 500 to 1,000 lbs. and the ability to land with more significant reserves. In addition, needing and using less fuel means taking more payload if required - the options and functionality of the aircraft increase overall with Active Winglets.
Active Winglets provide an additional 400 lbs. MZFW increase for Cessna CitationJet variants M2, CJ, CJ1, CJ1+, CJ2+, CJ3, and CJ3+.
Active Winglets provided an additional 800 lbs. MZFW increase for Cessna CitationJet CJ2.
While it may be difficult to quantify the value of safety, it is undoubtedly the most important factor in all aspects of aviation. Investing in safety does not compare to the advantages of other modifications, like avionics, paint, or interior upgrades. However, modifying an aircraft with Active Winglets allows for new and improved OEI climb gradients, better stability, ride smoothing, and further structural envelope protection. These capabilities are essential while operating in high/hot conditions, as well as legal and safe for OEI climb gradients, which is critical for both pilots and dispatch.
In addition, Active Winglets make aircraft more resilient to weather and airport conditions, representing the difference between departing or staying grounded. This also means a reduced need to offload fuel or schedule early morning departures just to get cooler temps. The extra range provided allows for meaningful, safe, and efficient trips.
Transforming your aircraft with Active Winglet technology is a decision made to improve its flight performance, safety, and resale value. While other, less impactful interior or cosmetic modifications may wear over time, this investment holds immediate returns, such as significant fuel savings recouping the cost of the Active Winglets from the very first mission flown after installation.
