Icom IC-A25N Portable Handheld VHF Airband NAV/COM Transceiver

The IC-A25N is a portable handheld NAV/COM transceiver - 58.9×148.4×31.8mm, 340g with BP-288 - for pilots who need an independent backup navigation and communication capability in the cockpit. The 31.8mm depth fits in a flight bag pocket; the 2.3-inch LCD is large enough to read COM frequencies, VOR CDI deviation, and GPS waypoint data without leaning into the instrument panel.

COM TX/RX covers 118.000–136.992 MHz with both 8.33 kHz and 25 kHz channel spacing. NAV RX covers the full 108.000–136.992 MHz band, which includes the VOR navigation frequencies. The built-in VOR CDI displays course deviation with OBS, TO-FROM indicator, and ABSS (Automatic Bearing Set System) - a functional VOR instrument in handheld form. Near Station Search uses stored waypoints with GPS coordinates to identify nearby ground stations by frequency without manual lookup.

GPS / GLONASS / SBAS supports Direct-To NAV (point-to-point guidance to a single waypoint) and Flight Plan NAV (sequential waypoints, up to 10 flight plans with 300 total waypoints). Waypoints are entered manually by lat/lon or imported from an Android/iOS device via the RS-AERO app (RS-AERO1A for Android, RS-AERO1I for iOS) over Bluetooth. Note: no built-in navaid or airport database - waypoints require manual entry or RS-AERO import. Bluetooth also pairs with the optional VS-3 headset or compatible third-party aviation Bluetooth headsets for hands-free operation.

The BP-288 intelligent battery (2350mAh) provides 10.5 hours at 5:5:90 with GPS ON and Bluetooth OFF. Battery health data is visible in the battery status screen. The BP-289 alkaline case (6×AA) provides backup power when charging is not available. An external 11.0V DC input accepts in-aircraft panel power for indefinite operation.

Audio output is 1200mW internal / 530mW external (8Ω). The 121.5 MHz emergency key provides one-button access to the international distress frequency. Flip-Flop channel recall stores the last 10 channels used. FCC Part 87 certified for USA VHF airband operation.

The Icom IC-A25N is FCC Part 87 certified for USA VHF airband operation. In the United States, no separate radio license is required for pilots to operate a handheld VHF airband radio during flight operations within the USA - authorization is covered under the aircraft station license or the pilot's certificate.

A Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit (RP) is required for operations in international airspace or at foreign airports. The IC-A25N supports both 8.33 kHz and 25 kHz channel spacing - 25 kHz for domestic USA frequencies, 8.33 kHz for European airspace where it is mandatory above FL195.

The IC-A25N's VOR function receives and displays VOR navigation data from ground-based VOR stations using the radio's 108–118 MHz NAV receive capability. The CDI, OBS, and TO-FROM indicator function as a standalone backup navigation instrument. Note: the IC-A25N has no built-in navaid database - VOR station frequencies must be programmed manually or imported via the RS-AERO app.

The GPS/GLONASS/SBAS receiver provides position data for the waypoint NAV and Near Station Search functions. It does not replace a certified aircraft GPS for IFR navigation - the IC-A25N is a backup and situational awareness tool for VFR pilots.

As an authorized Icom aviation dealer, AXDIGITAL assists customers with radio selection, FCC Part 87 questions, and RS-AERO app setup for IC-A25N deployments. Contact our team for configuration guidance.