BSN NAL HE7200X Aviation Antenna Kit (Cobham TSO) (AN72X3KT)

BSN NAL HE7200X Aviation Antenna Kit (Cobham TSO) (AN72X3KT)

In aircraft tracking architectures, the antenna subsystem is not a minor accessory: the tracking unit relies on GNSS to compute position and on the Iridium satellite network to transmit those reports globally. Iridium/GNSS performance in flight is strongly influenced by antenna type, cable loss, connector quality, and installation practices. For that reason, aviation antenna solutions are often packaged as standardized kits to reduce variability and improve maintenance traceability.

Design and Features

Aviation-oriented antenna integration for HawkEye 7200X

The kit is sold specifically as an “HE7200X Aviation Antenna Kit” and is described as compatible with the HawkEye 7200X tracking device.
This positioning is aimed at aviation operators who require a repeatable antenna-and-cabling configuration aligned with aircraft maintenance procurement norms.

Combined Iridium and GNSS antenna function

A detailed kit listing identifies the primary antenna as FAA-approved for Iridium reception (passive) and GNSS reception (active L1 GPS and L1 GLONASS), reflecting a combined antenna assembly designed to support both satellite communications and navigation/positioning inputs.
In operational terms, the antenna is intended to:

• provide the Iridium L-band RF path needed for satellite transmissions, and

• provide active GNSS reception to improve position acquisition and reporting reliability.

Controlled documentation and aviation supply-chain alignment

Dealer listings highlight that the kit includes an antenna supplied with FAA 8130-3 documentation.
FAA Form 8130-3 is a standard release/approval tag used in aviation maintenance supply chains for documenting the release and eligibility of aircraft parts under applicable approvals.

“TSO” procurement language

The kit’s description includes “TSO,” which is commonly used in aviation procurement to indicate association with FAA Technical Standard Orders—minimum performance standards for certain categories of aviation articles. The FAA describes TSOs and the related concept of TSO authorization (TSOA) as part of its design approval framework.
In practice, TSO language helps operators communicate certification expectations, though the actual aircraft installation still must follow approved installation data and aircraft-specific procedures.

Technology and Specifications

Published kit contents

A detailed product listing for the HE7200X Aviation Antenna Kit enumerates the components typically included in the kit:

• FAA-Approved Passive Iridium; Active L1 GPS and L1 GLONASS Antenna
  (Part# 5GIRG3RR-AP-XST-1)

• 15 ft GPS coax cable
  (15′ PELX195-500 GPS Cable; Part# DG15SR2-SR)

• 15 ft Iridium coax cable
  (15′ PFLX240-500 Iridium Cable; Part# C15TR2-SR)

• TNC Female to SMA Male Adapter
  (Part# CA140000)

• Marked as compatible with HawkEye 7200X.

Dealer pages for AN72X3KT summarize the same overall concept—“Cobham Iridium/GPS Antenna with FAA 8130-3 and Iridium/GPS Coax Cables”—but may not list the sub-part numbers on the storefront page.

Why cables and adapters matter in aviation SATCOM/GNSS installs

Aircraft SATCOM/GNSS performance can be sensitive to:

• coax attenuation at L-band and GNSS frequencies,

• connector mismatch and installation workmanship,

• routing near other emitters, power harnesses, or avionics bays.

By providing known-length coax assemblies and a specific connector adapter (TNC-to-SMA), the kit helps reduce integration errors and improves repeatability across installations.

System context: HawkEye 7200 family tracking

Blue Sky Network’s HawkEye 7200 product literature describes a portable Iridium & GNSS tracking device ecosystem that uses satellite communications and GNSS positioning and can be paired with the SkyRouter portal for tracking and messaging workflows. While the 7200X is a model variant in the broader HawkEye 7200 family, the antenna kit is specifically packaged for aviation integration where consistent antenna performance is essential.

Applications and Use Cases

Aircraft tracking programs and operational visibility

The primary application is supporting aviation operators who use the HawkEye 7200X for:

• aircraft position reporting,

• operational awareness for dispatch/flight following,

• event-driven alerts (depending on configuration and service).

Aviation antenna kits are particularly relevant when tracking must remain reliable across flight phases and geographic regions, including routes where terrestrial coverage is unavailable.

Special mission and remote operations

Operators flying over remote terrain (offshore corridors, wilderness regions, sparsely populated areas) often rely on Iridium-based systems for continuous visibility. The AN72X3KT kit targets these operations by supplying an aviation-oriented antenna and cabling set intended to maintain consistent RF performance.

Fleet standardization and maintenance traceability

For multi-aircraft programs, standardized kits simplify:

• spares stocking (common antenna and cable assemblies),

• maintenance recordkeeping (common bill of materials),

• installation repeatability across aircraft types and maintenance stations.

Advantages / Benefits

Installation-ready package reduces integration risk

Instead of sourcing an antenna, two coax cables, and adapters separately, AN72X3KT is sold as a single procurement item aligned to HawkEye 7200X aviation installations.

Aviation documentation alignment (FAA 8130-3)

Dealer listings explicitly call out FAA 8130-3 inclusion for the Cobham antenna, which can reduce administrative friction for regulated operators compared to non-aviation antenna sourcing.

TSO-related procurement signaling

“TSO” language helps align buyer expectations around aviation performance standards and the associated certification ecosystem described by the FAA.

Combined Iridium + GNSS antenna approach

Bundling a single aviation antenna assembly that supports both Iridium and GNSS can simplify installation planning and reduce aircraft penetrations compared to separate antenna systems, depending on the aircraft and installation method.

FAQ Section 

What is the BSN NAL HE7200X Aviation Antenna Kit (AN72X3KT)?

AN72X3KT is an aviation antenna-and-cabling kit for the HawkEye 7200X tracking system, typically including a Cobham-marketed Iridium/GNSS antenna with FAA 8130-3 and the matching Iridium/GPS coax cables.

How does the HE7200X Aviation Antenna Kit work?

The kit provides the RF pathway needed for aircraft tracking: the antenna receives GNSS (GPS/GLONASS L1) for position and supports the Iridium RF link for transmitting tracking reports via satellite, using included coax cables and adapter hardware to connect to the HawkEye unit.

Why is the HE7200X Aviation Antenna Kit important?

Aircraft tracking reliability depends on antenna performance, cable loss, and installation quality. AN72X3KT standardizes the antenna + coax assembly and is marketed with aviation supply-chain documentation (8130-3) and TSO-oriented procurement language.

What are the benefits of AN72X3KT?

Key benefits include an install-ready kit format (antenna + coax + adapter), aviation-oriented documentation (FAA 8130-3), and a combined Iridium + GNSS antenna approach designed for consistent airborne tracking performance.

Summary

The BSN NAL HE7200X Aviation Antenna Kit (Cobham TSO) (AN72X3KT) is a standardized aviation antenna and cabling package intended for HawkEye 7200X aircraft tracking installations. By bundling a combined Iridium + active GNSS antenna with matched Iridium and GPS coax cables and a connector adapter—and by emphasizing aviation documentation such as FAA 8130-3 and TSO-oriented procurement language—the kit targets operators who need repeatable installations, maintenance traceability, and dependable airborne tracking performance.