Aviation Partners Inc. (API) is a Seattle-based private corporation that specializes in performance-enhancing winglet systems. The corporation was founded in 1991 and is owned by The Washington Companies.
Hawker 800SP with API winglets
An API blended winglet on a Boeing 737-800
The Split Scimitar design as seen at Denver International Airport on a Boeing 737 of Southwest Airlines.
Wingtip devices are intended to improve the efficiency of fixed-wing aircraft by reducing drag. Although there are several types of wing tip devices which function in different manners, their intended effect is always to reduce an aircraft's drag. Wingtip devices can also improve aircraft handling characteristics and enhance safety for following aircraft. Such devices increase the effective aspect ratio of a wing without greatly increasing the wingspan. Extending the span would lower lift-induced drag, but would increase parasitic drag and would require boosting the strength and weight of the wing. At some point, there is no net benefit from further increased span. There may also be operational considerations that limit the allowable wingspan.
The Airbus A350 wingtip device
The Ha 137 prototype aircraft, fitted with vertical wing extensions, c.1935–1937
Heinkel He 162A with Lippisch-Ohren wingtip devices
Winglet on KC-135 Stratotanker with attached tufts showing airflow during NASA tests in 1979–1980