Blue Sky Network’s portable HawkEyeLink Bluetooth interface is now able to transmit electronic forms such as a flight plan, a passenger manifest or a maintenance request. HawkEyeLink enables Blue Sky Network’s D1000 Iridium/GSM transceiver (originally designed for the operator to track its helicopters) to connect to iOS devices (iPhone and iPad). The new capability allows users to download forms to the iOS device at the operator’s base via Wi-Fi, and then complete and transmit them in flight.

The resulting product lets operators send forms to Blue Sky Network’s cloud-based web portal, New SkyRouter. Product marketing v-p Paul Duran added that the HawkEyeLink, which also enables two-way messaging, will be developed with an Android interface as well. The first delivery of the upgraded HawkEyeLink was planned for last month or early this month.

The La Jolla, Calif.-based equipment manufacturer also introduced the HawkEye 7200, which can replace the larger D1000 transceiver and accompanying HawkEyeLink in one portable device. It has a Bluetooth interface for connection to an iPad or iPhone. It also includes a multinational GNSS receiver, so it can use GPS, Glonass and Galileo for asset tracking. HawkEye 7200 production is scheduled to start in the fourth quarter of this year.