The FTB 600 Series Wave-Off Beacon is an ultra-high-intensity visual warning system designed to signal pilots to abort a landing immediately. Initially engineered for the United States Navy, these beacons have proven their effectiveness in mission-critical operations, serving for years as the standard wave-off signal for Navy pilots. NASA also adopted the FTB 600 for its Space Shuttle landing facilities, underscoring its reliability and visibility in the most demanding aviation environments. Today, this robust beacon technology is available for commercial aviation use, offering airfields and airports a dependable safety system for alerting pilots during runway incursions or unscheduled runway closures.
Operating either manually or automatically through an integrated runway incursion warning system, the FTB 600 delivers instant and unmistakable visual warnings when verbal communication is limited or compromised. The beacon emits ultra-intense flashes exceeding 800,000 effective candelas in its high-power mode when equipped with a clear lens, ensuring maximum visual awareness and an immediate response from approaching aircraft. The red lens version offers 50,000 effective candelas at high mode and 5,000 in low mode, while the clear lens in low mode delivers 80,000 effective candelas—still remarkably bright for lower-visibility conditions.
This system provides an elevation beam angle adjustable from 0° to 10°, with a vertical beam spread of 8° and a horizontal spread of 10°, ensuring targeted, high-impact coverage across the airfield. The beacon operates at a consistent 90 flashes per minute, maximizing the likelihood of pilot detection during critical decision-making moments.
Engineered for robust field use, the FTB 600 includes internal surge protection and integrated safety interlocks, enhancing its durability and fail-safe operation. It can be configured to operate at 120V, 240V, or 480V (60 Hz, single-phase), consuming 600 watts in high-intensity mode. Optional configurations are available, including a 50 Hz power frequency model, a red lens version (FTB 622), a clear lens version (FTB 623), and a “flip” red lens version (FTB 624), catering to different operational and environmental needs.
With a design proven in both military and space agency applications, the FTB 600 class beacon delivers immediate, powerful visual signals that compel pilot response and enhance runway safety across a wide range of airfield conditions.
https://www.avlite.com/product/ftb-600-high-intensity-wave-off-beacon/
