Wingtip shield with integrated air mover

Abstract

Wingtip shields are described. In one embodiment, an aircraft structure includes an airfoil having a high-pressure side and a low-pressure side, where the airfoil is configured for attaching to a main body. The wingtip shield includes an inner surface facing a high-pressure side of an airfoil; an outer surface configured opposite from the inner surface. An air mover is configured at least partially within the wingtip shield. In different embodiments, the air mover is a fan, a mechanically driven propeller, or a jet engine. In some embodiments, the aircraft structure includes a shaft coupled with the air mover, a bearing configured to support the shaft, and a motor configured to rotate the shaft.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.