Ground infrastructure.
E.g. for the 777X it fits in Category E. Without folding tips it would be in Category F. Less gates can accommodate Category F.
https://skybrary.aero/articles/icao-aerodrome-reference-code
E.g. for the 777X it fits in Category E. Without folding tips it would be in Category F. Less gates can accommodate Category F.
https://skybrary.aero/articles/icao-aerodrome-reference-code
The second place was the XB-70:
The XB-70 was designed to use compression lift, a phenomenon also referred to
as Mach wave riding, which was demonstrated with the help of wind-tunnel
tests. It was shown to provide an increase in total lift at supersonic speeds
as wingtips folded downward, and would capture the shock waves generated by
the aircraft. Wing lift could therefore significantly increase by up to 30%
without any drag penalty.