Icom IC-A16E VHF Airband Radio
Price range: $727.95 through $953.35 inc GST
The Icom IC-A16E is a compact, rugged VHF airband handheld for ground-to-air communication. It delivers 6 W PEP, 8.33 kHz and 25 kHz channel spacing, class-leading 1500 mW audio for noisy airfields, IP67 waterproofing and up to 17 hours of battery life. Available with or without built-in Bluetooth for hands-free headset use.
The Icom IC-A16E is built for airfields, flying clubs, ground crew and aviation operations that need a dependable ground-to-air radio. Its 1500 mW speaker gives loud, clear audio over engine and prop noise, and the 6 W PEP (1.8 W carrier) transmitter covers the full 118.000–136.992 MHz airband with both 8.33 kHz and 25 kHz channel spacing.
The body is compact, IP67 waterproof and tested to MIL-STD-810G, so it handles rain, dust and drops on the apron. The supplied BP-280 2400 mAh Li-ion battery runs for up to 17 hours, and the LCD and keypad backlighting make it easy to use at night.
Choose your version
| IC-A16E | IC-A16EB | |
| Built-in Bluetooth | – | Yes, for hands-free operation |
| VS-3 Bluetooth headset compatible | – | Yes |
| All other features and specifications | Same | Same |
Key features
- 1500 mW loud audio: clear communication in noisy airfield environments.
- 6 W PEP / 1.8 W carrier RF output power.
- 8.33 kHz and 25 kHz channel spacing across 118.000–136.992 MHz.
- Built-in Bluetooth for hands-free operation (IC-A16EB).
- Up to 17 hours of battery life with the supplied BP-280 battery (5:5:90 duty cycle, Bluetooth and backlight off).
- Compact, waterproof and durable: IP67/IP54 and MIL-STD-810G.
- LCD and keypad backlight for night-time operation.
- Works with third-party aviation headsets via the optional OPC-2401 headset adapter.
- Auto Noise Limiter (ANL), side tone and internal VOX.
- 200 memory channels with 8-character names and a BNC antenna connector.
Specifications
| Frequency range | 118.000–136.992 MHz (Tx/Rx) |
| Memory channels | 200 |
| Channel spacing | 8.33 kHz / 25 kHz |
| Emission | 6K80A3E, 5K00A3E |
| Output power | 6.0 W PEP, 1.8 W carrier (at 7.2 V DC) |
| Audio output | 1500 mW typical (internal speaker), more than 350 mW (external speaker) |
| Power supply | 7.2 V DC |
| Current drain | Tx high 1.8 A / Rx max. audio 650 mA / standby 65 mA (typical) |
| Battery | BP-280 Li-ion, 7.2 V, 2400 mAh (typical) |
| Battery life | Up to 17 hours |
| Antenna connector | BNC, 50 Ω |
| Ingress protection | IP67 / IP54 |
| Durability | MIL-STD-810G |
| Operating temperature | –20°C to +55°C |
| Dimensions | 52.2 × 111.8 × 34.1 mm (with BP-280) |
| Weight | 257 g (with BP-280) |
Download IC-A16E Brochure (PDF)
What's in the box
- IC-A16E or IC-A16EB radio
- BP-280 Li-ion battery pack
- FA-B02AR antenna
- MB-133 belt clip
- Hand strap
- Charger and AC adapter (depending on version)
Optional accessories include the BP-278 and BP-279 batteries, BC-213 rapid charger, BC-214 six-way multi-charger, CP-23L vehicle charger cable, HM-240 waterproof speaker-microphone, VS-3 Bluetooth headset (IC-A16EB), OPC-2401 aviation headset adapter, MB-96 belt hangers and CS-A16 programming software.
Get a quote for your airfield, club or fleet.
Additional information
| Weight | 0.257 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 11.18 × 5.22 × 3.41 cm |
| Brand | Icom |
| Technology | Analogue |
| Frequency Range | VHF airband 118–137 MHz |
| Ingress Protection | IP67 / IP54, MIL-STD-810G |
| Battery Life | Up to 17 hours |
| Output Power | 6 W PEP / 1.8 W carrier |
| Channel Spacing | 8.33 / 25 kHz |
| Bluetooth | Without Bluetooth, With Bluetooth |
