AV-74

The RAMI AV-74 is a broadband blade antenna designed for aircraft transponder, DME and ADS-B applications across the 960–1220 MHz frequency range. With a compact 3.4-inch profile, 50-ohm impedance and standard BNC female connector, it provides a purpose-built L-band antenna solution for general aviation installations requiring this configuration.

Designed for operation at speeds up to 350 mph and altitudes up to 50,000 ft, the AV-74 combines a low-profile blade configuration with vertical polarization and an omnidirectional radiation pattern. RAMI specifies a maximum VSWR of 1.5:1 and an RF power capacity of 2.5 kW peak. Published aerodynamic drag is just 0.09 lb at 250 mph.

The antenna housing is constructed from an acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylic (ASA) shell and the standard AV-74 is supplied in a gloss-white finish. RAMI supplies the antenna with a cellular neoprene mounting pad and associated mounting hardware.

A particularly useful feature for replacement applications is that RAMI identifies the AV-74 as a direct replacement for the Comant CI-105. This makes it relevant when evaluating a replacement for an existing CI-105 installation, while the installer must still confirm applicability, installation requirements and compatibility with the specific aircraft and equipment.

The AV-74 carries FAA TSO-C66c and TSO-C74c authorization and was environmentally qualified to RTCA DO-160D categories documented by RAMI. TSO authorization of the antenna itself does not, by itself, establish installation eligibility for a particular aircraft.

Key Features

• Application: Transponder / DME / ADS-B
• Frequency range: 960–1220 MHz
• Impedance: 50 Ω nominal
• VSWR: 1.5:1 maximum
• Polarization: Vertical
• Radiation pattern: Omnidirectional
• Connector: BNC female
• RF power capacity: 2.5 kW peak
• Maximum height: 3.4 in
• Maximum weight: 0.2 lb
• Maximum published operating speed: 350 mph
• Maximum published altitude: 50,000 ft
• Drag: 0.09 lb at 250 mph
• Housing: ASA shell
• Finish: Gloss white
• Included: Cellular neoprene mounting pad and mounting hardware
• FAA TSO: C66c, C74c
• Environmental qualification: RTCA DO-160D
• Replacement reference: Direct replacement for Comant CI-105

Designed for L-Band Aircraft Systems

The AV-74 covers the 960–1220 MHz band used by the applications RAMI specifies for this model, giving aircraft owners, avionics shops and maintenance organizations a compact blade-format antenna with documented electrical, aerodynamic and environmental specifications.

RAMI's installation instructions call for connection using a 50-ohm coaxial cable with a BNC male connector at the antenna end and describe a typical belly mounting location depending on the function being used. Actual antenna placement, mounting, bonding, coaxial installation and aircraft eligibility must be determined from the applicable installation data for the specific aircraft and equipment.

Replacement for the Comant CI-105

RAMI specifically identifies the AV-74 as a direct replacement for the CI-105. For operators or shops replacing an existing CI-105, the AV-74 therefore provides a manufacturer-documented replacement option with the same broad 960–1220 MHz application range. The existing installation and current documentation should still be reviewed before installation.