Fenix Sharklets: Should You Care? Real Airline Pilot Explains

Summary

In this video, a real-world airline pilot provides an in-depth look at the recently released Phoenix Simulations A320 and A321 Sharklets in Microsoft Flight Simulator. The Sharklets, designed to reduce induced drag and improve fuel efficiency by up to 3.5%, are explored from both a technical and visual perspective. The pilot shares insights on their impact during flight, including subtle effects on descent and landing performance. The detailed modeling of the Sharklets, including their aerodynamic benefits and realistic design features, is highlighted, making this a must-watch for aviation enthusiasts and flight simulator fans.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sharklets are a recent addition to the Airbus A320 and A321 in Microsoft Flight Simulator, offered for free by Phoenix Simulations.
• 😀 Sharklets reduce induced drag, improving fuel efficiency by up to 3.5%, despite adding around 200 kg of weight to the aircraft.
• 😀 These winglets are typically added to long-range aircraft and help airlines save fuel on longer flights by reducing drag from wingtip vortices.
• 😀 The sharklets are designed to improve aircraft efficiency by optimizing airflow at the wingtip, reducing the formation of wingtip vortices.
• 😀 Although sharklets add weight and slightly increase profile drag, their overall impact on fuel consumption is positive due to their drag-reducing features.
• 😀 The Phoenix Simulations A320/321 sharklet add-on captures intricate details, including realistic lighting, rivets, and a subtle curvature of the sharklets.
• 😀 Sharklets on the A320 family aircraft do not significantly change their handling characteristics but may make descent a little more challenging due to increased efficiency.
• 😀 In terms of aircraft performance, sharklets provide a slight improvement in climb performance and can cause a bit more 'float' during landing due to reduced drag.
• 😀 The addition of sharklets slightly increases the A320 family wingspan (to 35.8 meters) but keeps it below the 36-meter limit required for short-haul airports.
• 😀 The sharklets' visual design includes details like angled tips and material variations, which are meticulously replicated in the Phoenix simulation add-on.
• 😀 Overall, the free update to the Phoenix A320/321 is a highly detailed and accurate representation of the real-world sharklet modifications, offering both aesthetic and performance enhancements.

Q & A

What is the primary function of the Sharklets on the A320 and A321?

The Sharklets are designed to reduce fuel consumption by decreasing induced drag. This is achieved by minimizing the wingtip vortices that form as the aircraft generates lift, ultimately improving fuel efficiency by up to 3.5%.

How do Sharklets affect the overall weight of the aircraft?

Sharklets add approximately 200 kg of weight to the aircraft, which is relatively light considering their size (2.5 meters tall). Despite this added weight, the efficiency gains from reduced drag outweigh the weight penalty.

What is the significance of the Sharklets being added to the A320 and A321 models in this simulation?

The addition of Sharklets enhances the realism of the Phoenix Simulations A320 and A321 models in Microsoft Flight Simulator. It provides a more accurate representation of the aircraft's real-world performance and design.

Why are Sharklets primarily used on long-range flights?

Sharklets are most beneficial on long-range flights because they reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency during cruise, where their aerodynamic benefits are most noticeable. They are less effective at lower altitudes or in short-haul flights.

What is the impact of Sharklets on the aircraft's performance during descent?

Sharklets slightly reduce drag, which can result in more retained energy during descent. This may make it harder to slow the aircraft or descend at the desired rate, leading to a slightly 'floatier' descent, especially for pilots accustomed to aircraft without Sharklets.

What visual detail about the Sharklets is highlighted in the video?

The video emphasizes the subtle outward curve at the rear edge of the Sharklets, which contributes to their aerodynamic efficiency. This detail is captured with precision in the simulation, with light distortion observed as the camera moves across the Sharklet.

How do the Sharklets affect the A320 family’s wingspan, and why is this important?

Adding Sharklets slightly increases the wingspan of the aircraft, but it remains below the 36-meter limit for short-haul aircraft. This is important because it allows the aircraft to continue operating in airports with short-haul parking stands and taxiways without exceeding restrictions.

What minor operational difference might pilots experience when flying an A320 or A321 with Sharklets compared to one without?

Pilots might notice a slightly 'floatier' landing, particularly on hot runways. The reduced drag from the Sharklets can result in more energy during descent, which could affect landing technique, requiring earlier deployment of speed brakes if necessary.

What does the video reveal about the visual quality of the Phoenix Simulations A320 and A321?

The video praises the stunning visual detail of the Phoenix A320 and A321 models, highlighting features like rivets, paint imperfections, and the accurate design of the Sharklets. The simulation captures real-world aircraft details meticulously, contributing to an immersive experience.

How do the lighting setups on the Sharklets contribute to the realism in the simulation?

The lighting setup includes navigation lights and strobe lights, with a well-detailed system that makes the lights visible in flight. The strobe lights flash in an alternating pattern, which is a subtle but realistic feature that adds to the aircraft’s authenticity in the simulation.