Fuel Flow Transmitter Test Facility
Quality. Reliability. Longevity.
Fuel Flow Transmitter Test Facility
Quality. Reliability. Longevity.
Overview of Test Facility
Established in 2016 in Lynnwood, WA, Crane A&E’s Fuel Flow Transmitter Test Facility is a unique 12,000 square foot building optimized for Fuel Flow Transmitter (FFT) testing. It features eight flow test stands and one experimental qualification stand, handling all fuel flow product lines from the Lynnwood site’s Precision Transducer Products (PTP). The facility supports testing conditions from -67 to +325 degrees Fahrenheit and pressures up to 3,500 psi. Driven by the evolution of aircraft engines, the expansion allows Crane A&E to conduct advanced R&D in-house. These capabilities ensure our FFTs meet the stringent requirements of modern aircraft engines, operating reliably at higher temperatures, pressures, and accuracies.
Fuel Flow Transmitters
Fuel flow transmitters (FFTs), or flowmeters, measure an aircraft engine’s fuel consumption during flight, providing precise data for pilots and ground crews. Crane A&E’s FFTs measure mass of fuel flow for unmatched accuracy and are available in multiple flow ranges, suitable for light fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and large transports.
Each FFT consists of over 130 different components and offers an accuracy of 0.5% or better at cruise conditions and operates reliably in extreme environments, including:
- From -67 to 325 °F
- Vibration levels over 20g
- Fuel pressures up to 3,500 psi
Experimental Test Skid - X1 & Engineering Lab
Our experimental test skids and engineering lab are designed to simulate jet engine operations by controlling fuel flow, temperature, ambient conditions, line pressure, and contamination. Our X1 test skid can fully qualify fuel flow meters, including contamination testing at cryogenic temperatures, and run extended endurance tests for several hundred hours. The system cycles various parameters and captures real-time data, providing comprehensive testing capabilities for simulating engine applications.
Types of Tests Conducted
Automated Testing & Calibration
Each FFT undergoes an extended automated test that simulates conditions it will face on an aircraft engine. If an FFT requires optimization, then it enters the adjustment cycle where technicians perform precise modifications to components ensuring the unit meets stringent performance standards. The calibration process of Fuel Flow Transmitters involves fine-tuning key components that properly impact the fuel flow measurement.
Pressure Tests
FFTs undergo specialized pressure tests up to 3,500 psi to ensure their reliability and durability. These final tests check for leaks and confirm that the transmitters can withstand extreme conditions without failure. By exposing the FFTs to high-pressure environments, we ensure that the transmitters maintain their structural integrity and continue to function accurately, providing confidence in their performance for mission-critical applications.
Our facility can simulate extreme conditions to ensure the reliability of our FFTs. Key environmental tests include:
- Simulating temperatures from -67 to +325 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure FFTs operate reliably in both cold and hot environments
- Replicating pressures up to 3,500 psi to check for leaks and confirm structural integrity
- Subjecting FFTs to vibration levels exceeding 20g to ensure accuracy and functionality under mechanical stress
- Testing in a humidity-controlled technician zone with isolated safety zones to ensure performance in varying humidity levels.
Platforms Served
Crane A&E is proud to serve multiple platforms with our industry-leading FFTs, including the Airbus A320, Boeing 737 Max, and Comac C919.
 Airbus A320 |  Boeing 737 MAX |  COMAC C919 |