Definition
A continuous-flow fuel injection system used on many reciprocating aircraft engines, manufactured by the Bendix Corporation (later Precision Airmotive). It meters fuel based on engine air consumption, then delivers a continuous, low-pressure stream of fuel through individual nozzles into the intake port of each cylinder, just upstream of the intake valve. The system has four main components: a fuel pump, a fuel/air control unit (which meters fuel in proportion to airflow through the throttle body), a fuel manifold valve (the 'flow divider' that distributes fuel evenly to each cylinder), and the injector nozzles at each cylinder.
Plain English
A specific brand of fuel injection system found on many piston aircraft engines. It measures how much air the engine is taking in, then continuously squirts a matching amount of fuel into each cylinder's intake port — not into the cylinder itself, and not in timed pulses like a car engine.
Context Anchor
You may see this term in aircraft engine descriptions, maintenance records, engine-start procedures, and discussions of mixture control on fuel-injected piston engines.
Derivation
Named after the Bendix Corporation, the American manufacturer that developed and produced the system. The 'Bendix' name stayed attached to the hardware even after the product line was sold to other companies, much like 'Hoover' or 'Kleenex' became attached to the original maker.
Why Pilots Care
It delivers more precise fuel metering than carburetors, improves high-altitude performance, and eliminates the risk of carburetor icing.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “injection” means the same kind of computer-controlled pulsing used in many cars. In this aircraft system, fuel usually flows continuously through the nozzles while the engine is running, and the amount of flow is controlled mechanically.
Example Sentence 1
The IO-360 in this Cessna uses a Bendix fuel injection system, so we follow the hot-start procedure in the POH rather than priming it like a carbureted engine.
Example Sentence 2
The pilot noticed smoother power response after the shop serviced the Bendix fuel injection system on the climb to cruise altitude.