The airplane that Dick Rutan flew around the world non-stop (Voyager) was built with winglets. But they were torn off on their takeoff run when they dragged along the runway.
I was on a Navy LPD half way between Hawaii and California when I saw a lone nav becon overfly us. Thought it odd there were no nav lights (wing tip position lights). When I finally saw the news again, I learned that the nav lights were attached to the winglets, which were left on the runway.
The Voyager trip was sucessful.
I fly a starship across the Universe divide
And when I reach the other side
I'll find a place to rest my spirit if I can
Perhaps I may become a highwayman again
Or I may be a single drop of rain
But I will remain
And I'll be back again, and again and again and again and again...
I was lucky to see it also.
I was returning from up north over Gorman when they passed me headed for Mojave after their round the world journey.