Wake turbulence from 1000' above flips & totals a BizJet

The primary component of wake turbi that is the focus of most warnings and reports is due to wingtip vortices. These flow outward and downward from the tip. Thus in your pic the receiving aircraft is inboard and above the wingtip vortex.

 

Do winglets or other tip devices have any effect; affect shape, direction or intensity of vortices?

 

From what I understand about with winglets is that they keep the higher pressure from spilling over the wing tip creating drag caused by a larger vortex. The winglet helps to direct the high pressure away from the top of the wing creating a smaller vortex and reducing drag.

Newer wing designs allow for less vortex drag without the use of a winglet by sweeping back the tips I.E. 787. While older wing designs have winglets added so the entire wing does not need a redesign I.E. 737NG and Max.

 

Lots of debate on that between the parties involved, infused heavily with 'non-invented here' bias.

NG required some changes and or a reinforcement kit installed.

 

about the jet being totaled. Does this mean the wings where bent? Or is it just that once you pass x gs it is assumed something is bent/cracked/weakened?