What are Those Things on Airplanes' Wings?

The video discusses common flight discomforts and introduces the concept of drag, a force that airlines combat to save fuel. It explains how vortices contribute to drag and how engineers invented winglets to reduce it. Winglets, small upward-curving extensions at the wingtips, help decrease drag and improve fuel efficiency, saving airlines money. The video highlights the historical development of winglets and their widespread adoption in modern aviation.

What is drag in the context of flying and how does it affect airplanes?

Explain the role of vortices in creating drag on an airplane.

How do winglets help in reducing drag and improving fuel efficiency?

What challenges do engineers face when trying to increase wingspan to reduce drag?

Discuss the historical context in which winglets were proposed and their impact on fuel savings.