What Difference Do Sharklets and Wing Fences Make on an A320?

If you’ve ever flown on an Airbus A320, which many of us have, you might have noticed some variations in the wingtips of different aircraft. Some have these pointed, triangular objects at the ends, while others feature fins pointing upwards. These are known as winglets or wingtip devices, yet they go by different names. On the Airbus A320, the arrow-like wingtip device is called a wing fence, and the one resembling a tail fin is referred to as a ‘sharklet,’ a term coined by Airbus for a blended winglet.

The wing fence was introduced on earlier models of the A320 family, whereas sharklets are found on the newer A320s, including the A320neo family. Although both serve essentially the same function, their distinct shapes have a specific impact on an aircraft’s performance.

Both wing fences and sharklets are extensions attached to the wingtips of an aircraft. Their primary purpose is to combat wingtip vortices, swirling airflows generated at the wingtips due to pressure differences. These vortices create induced drag, a force that opposes forward motion and hinders fuel efficiency. By managing these vortices, wingtip devices aim to reduce drag and enhance performance.

Both wing fences and sharklets contribute to an A320’s performance in measurable ways. Here’s a breakdown:

Wing Fences

The Airbus A320 initially sported wing fences. These are relatively small, vertical extensions mounted both above and below the wingtip. Despite their simplicity, they effectively disrupt the vortex formation, reducing induced drag by around 2-3%. However, they have limitations. The sharp angles at the fence’s leading and trailing edges can create parasitic drag, negating some of the benefits. Additionally, they offer less aerodynamic optimization compared to more advanced designs.

Advantages:

• Simpler design, potentially resulting in lower manufacturing and installation costs.
• Retrofitting existing A320s with wing fences is technically feasible and potentially more cost-effective than sharklets.

Disadvantages:

• Lower drag reduction compared to sharklets, translating to less fuel efficiency and range improvement.
• Sharp angles create parasitic drag, negating some of the drag reduction benefits.
• Offers less aerodynamic optimization compared to newer designs.

Sharklets

In 2012, Airbus introduced the sharklet, a larger, upward-curving extension resembling a shark’s dorsal fin. Unlike the wing fence’s sharp angles, the sharklet boasts a smooth, blended design that minimizes parasitic drag. It also creates a larger “upwash” of air, further suppressing the vortex and reducing induced drag by a more impressive 4-5%. This translates to fuel savings of up to 3.5% per flight, a significant advantage for airlines concerned with operating costs and environmental impact.

Advantages:

• Significant drag reduction, leading to improved fuel efficiency, range, and payload capacity.
• Smoother design minimizes parasitic drag, maximizing the benefits of its aerodynamic shape.
• Offers significant environmental benefits due to reduced fuel consumption and emissions.

Disadvantages:

• More complex design compared to wing fences, potentially increasing manufacturing and installation costs.
• Retrofitting existing A320s with sharklets may be technically challenging and expensive.

Performance Impact:

• Fuel Efficiency: Sharklets offer a clear edge in fuel economy due to their higher drag reduction, translating to lower operating costs and carbon emissions.
• Range: With reduced fuel consumption, sharklets enable the A320 to fly further, expanding its operational range and accessibility to new routes.
• Payload: Increased fuel efficiency can translate to carrying more cargo or passengers, potentially boosting revenue for airlines.

Both wing fences and sharklets represent valuable technologies in improving the A320’s performance. While wing fences offered initial benefits and potential retrofit compatibility, their limitations in drag reduction and fuel efficiency have been surpassed by the advanced design of sharklets. For airlines seeking an edge in fuel economy, range, and environmental performance, sharklets emerge as the clear winner. Also, Airbus no longer produces A320s with wing fences.