BLR Aerospace expects to receive an STC for winglets for the King Air 300 in late summer or early fall. The Everett, Wash. company says its winglets will improve the twin turboprop’s cruise speed, climb rate, fuel consumption and handling qualities. Pre-certification kit price is $49,950.

BLR Aerospace director of sales and marketing Dave Marone said he expects to see a drag reduction of 4 percent, which can be used to cut fuel burn by approximately 23 pph or raise cruise speed by approximately five knots. “Rate of climb is expected to increase by 300 to 400 fpm,” he said, “depending on density altitude.”

Marone listed additional benefits as enhanced roll stability, improved low-speed flight and increased asset value. “Industry experts suggest that between 50 and 100 percent of the cost to install King Air winglets is recovered by an increase in aircraft value,” he said.

In January BLR Aerospace received an STC for its winglets on the King Air 200.