FT-60 - Electronics International Fuel Flow Transducer

FT-60 – Electronics International "Red Cube" Fuel Flow Transducer

Available now on the Airparts.aero Marketplace.

Overview

The Electronics International (EI) FT-60, widely known throughout the industry as the "Red Cube," is a high-precision fuel flow transducer designed for use with digital fuel flow computers and engine monitoring systems. This is the primary sensor responsible for accurately measuring the fuel consumption of an aircraft's fuel-injected piston engine. The transducer operates on a turbine flow principle, converting the volumetric flow of fuel into a precise digital pulse signal that is interpreted by the panel-mounted instrument.

This component is the foundation of modern fuel management. The data it provides allows the fuel computer to calculate and display real-time fuel flow (GPH/LPH), fuel used, fuel remaining, and endurance. For pilots, this transforms fuel planning from an estimation into a precise science, significantly enhancing the safety and efficiency of flight operations. The FT-60 is renowned for its accuracy, durability, and reliability, making it the standard for countless STC'd aftermarket engine instrument installations.

Key Features

• Genuine Electronics International Part: Guarantees the part is manufactured and calibrated to EI's exacting standards for accuracy and reliability.

• High-Accuracy Turbine Flow Sensor: A lightweight, low-friction turbine rotor mounted on jewel bearings spins at a rate directly proportional to the fuel flow, providing exceptional measurement accuracy.

• FAA-PMA Approved: Fully certified by the FAA as an airworthy component for installation on a wide range of certified aircraft as part of an STC'd system.

• Specifically for Fuel-Injected Engines: Engineered to be installed in the high-pressure fuel line between the engine-driven fuel pump and the flow divider/fuel servo.

• Digital Pulse Output: Generates a clean, digital square-wave signal whose frequency corresponds directly to the flow rate, providing a noise-resistant signal to the cockpit instrument.

• Robust Anodized Aluminum Body: Precision-machined from a solid block of aluminum and finished with a distinctive red anodization for corrosion resistance and easy identification.

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: FT-60

• Common Name: The Red Cube

• Component Type: Fuel Flow Transducer / Sensor

• OEM Manufacturer: Electronics International, Inc. (EI)

• Principle of Operation: Turbine Rotor with a magnetic or optical sensor.

• Engine Application: Fuel-Injected, reciprocating piston engines.

• Flow Range (Typical): 0.6 to >70 Gallons Per Hour (GPH)

• Output Signal: Digital Square Wave Pulse (frequency is proportional to flow rate).

• K-Factor: A unique calibration number (pulses per gallon) specific to each unit, which must be programmed into the fuel computer.

• Certification: FAA-PMA.

Aircraft Compatibility

The FT-60 is a universal aftermarket component installed via Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) on a vast range of general aviation aircraft equipped with fuel-injected Continental and Lycoming engines.

• Common Aircraft Platforms:

  • Textron Aviation (Cessna, Beechcraft)

  • Piper

  • Mooney

  • Cirrus

  • And most other manufacturers of high-performance piston aircraft.

Note: Applicability is determined by the specific STC for the fuel flow instrument being installed. Always consult the STC's Approved Model List (AML) to confirm eligibility.

Applications

• Sole Application: To serve as the primary sensor for an aftermarket fuel flow computer or a comprehensive Engine Monitoring System (EMS), such as:

  • Electronics International FP-5L, CGR-30P, MVP-50P

  • J.P. Instruments (JPI) Fuel Scan and Engine Data Monitors

  • Garmin G3X, G500/600 TXi with engine interface

  • Dynon SkyView (Experimental)

Why Choose FT-60?

Accurate fuel management is one of the most critical aspects of flight safety. The Electronics International FT-60 is the industry gold standard for providing the reliable, repeatable fuel flow data that pilots depend on. Its precision-jeweled bearing and lightweight turbine design have been time-tested over decades in thousands of installations. Choosing the proven FT-60 ensures that the data being fed to your fuel computer is as accurate as possible, allowing for confident fuel planning and in-flight decision-making.

The high accuracy of the FT-60 transducer is achieved by calibrating the instrument to its unique K-Factor. The transducer is a volumetric measuring device; its turbine's rotation speed is directly proportional to the volume of fluid passing through it, which the sensor converts into a pulse frequency (f). The relationship is defined by the formula Q=f/K, where Q is the flow rate (e.g., in Gallons Per Hour) and K is the K-Factor (in Pulses Per Gallon). Due to microscopic manufacturing tolerances in the turbine blades, bearings, and housing, each individual transducer has a slightly different, unique K-Factor. This value is precisely measured at the factory and is noted on the unit's data plate. During installation, the avionics technician must program this specific K-Factor into the fuel flow computer. This calibration step tailors the instrument's algorithm to the exact performance of the installed transducer, a process that is essential for achieving the system's certified accuracy.

Note: This is a flight-critical instrument system component. Installation must be performed by a certified A&P or avionics technician, typically in accordance with a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC). The transducer is a delicate, precision instrument. The fuel system must be thoroughly flushed to remove any debris before the transducer is installed, as contamination can permanently damage the low-friction jewel bearings. The unit is directional and must be installed with the arrow pointing in the direction of fuel flow.

Documentation

All installation, calibration, and maintenance procedures are proprietary to Electronics International and are contained within the official Installation and Operation manuals for the specific instrument system being installed. These manuals must be followed precisely for an airworthy installation.