Aircraft Wingtip Vortices

Wingtip Vortices

Wingtip vortices are rotating air masses that form at the tip of an aircraft wing as it moves through the air.

Formation

• Created by the difference in air pressure above and below the wing
• As the wing produces lift, it deflects the air downward, creating a swirling motion
• The rotation of the air creates a vortex, which trails behind the wingtip

Characteristics

• Wingtip vortices are strongest at the tip of the wing and weaken as they move away from the aircraft
• They can extend several hundred feet behind the aircraft
• The rotation of the vortex can be clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on the wing's angle of attack

Effects on Aircraft

• Wingtip vortices can increase drag and reduce lift, resulting in decreased aircraft performance
• They can also cause turbulence and uneven airflow around the aircraft
• In some cases, wingtip vortices can cause aircraft to lose control or stall

Effects on Other Aircraft

• Wingtip vortices can pose a hazard to other aircraft, particularly during takeoff and landing
• They can cause turbulence and loss of control in trailing aircraft
• Aircraft are typically spaced at a safe distance to avoid encountering wingtip vortices

Mitigation Strategies

• Wingtip design: Wingtips can be designed to reduce vortex formation, such as through the use of raked wingtips or winglets
• Aircraft spacing: Increasing the distance between aircraft can reduce the risk of encountering wingtip vortices
• Air traffic control: Air traffic controllers can use spacing and sequencing to minimize the risk of wingtip vortex encounters

Wingtip Vortices

• Rotating air masses that form at the tip of an aircraft wing as it moves through the air

Formation

• Caused by the difference in air pressure above and below the wing
• Deflection of air downward by the wing creates a swirling motion, resulting in a vortex

Characteristics

• Strongest at the tip of the wing, weakening as they move away from the aircraft
• Can extend several hundred feet behind the aircraft
• Rotation can be clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on the wing's angle of attack

Effects on Aircraft

• Increase drag and reduce lift, resulting in decreased aircraft performance
• Cause turbulence and uneven airflow around the aircraft
• Can cause aircraft to lose control or stall

Effects on Other Aircraft

• Pose a hazard to other aircraft, particularly during takeoff and landing
• Can cause turbulence and loss of control in trailing aircraft

Mitigation Strategies

• Wingtip design: Raked wingtips or winglets can reduce vortex formation
• Aircraft spacing: Increasing the distance between aircraft reduces the risk of encountering wingtip vortices
• Air traffic control: Spacing and sequencing can minimize the risk of wingtip vortex encounters