AN/PRC-117 Tactical Radio Technology and Capabilities

The AN/PRC-117 Tactical Radio is a game-changer for military communication. It's a handheld, multi-band radio that can operate in various frequencies, including UHF and VHF.

This radio is designed for use in harsh environments, withstanding extreme temperatures and being resistant to water and dust.

The AN/PRC-117 Tactical Radio has a long battery life, allowing it to be used for extended periods without needing a recharge.

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The AN/PRC-117 is a radio system used for tactical communications. It's a multi-band, multi-mode radio that can operate on a variety of frequencies.

The radio system has a number of components, including a transceiver, antenna, and battery pack. These components work together to provide reliable and secure communication in the field.

The transceiver is the heart of the system, providing the ability to transmit and receive voice and data communications. It's a key component that enables the radio system to operate effectively.

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The transmitter is a crucial component in many systems, and understanding its capabilities is essential.

The output power of a transmitter can range from 1 W to 20 W.

Frequency stability is also a key factor, and a transmitter's frequency stability is typically +/- 1.0 ppm.

Harmonic suppression is another important consideration, with a suppression level of -40 dBc.

Here's a summary of the transmitter's key features:

The receiver is a crucial component in many devices, and its performance can make a big difference in how well they work. FM sensitivity is a key factor, and a good receiver should be able to pick up signals at a sensitivity of -118 dBm (10 dB SINAD) or better.

This level of sensitivity ensures that the receiver can detect weak signals, which is especially important in situations where the signal strength is low. Adjacent channel rejection is also important, and a good receiver should be able to reject signals from adjacent channels by at least 60 dB.

Here are some key specifications for a good receiver:

The interfaces of a device are crucial for connecting it to other equipment and peripherals. External Data can be transmitted via RS-232 or MIL-STD-188-114A.

You'll notice that some devices also support remote control through RS-232 or RS-422. This allows you to control the device from a distance, which can be incredibly useful in certain situations.

Antenna ports are also a key feature, with separate VHF and VHF-HI/UHF ports available on some devices. This enables you to connect different types of antennas and adapt to changing environments.

The power requirements for these devices are also worth noting. They can be powered by two BA-5590, BB-390A/U, BB-2590, or BB-590 batteries.

Here are the interface options summarized:

The AN/PRC-117 is a highly versatile and reliable radio system. It's designed for use in harsh environments, making it a great choice for military and emergency response teams.

The AN/PRC-117 has a frequency range of 30 MHz to 512 MHz, allowing for seamless communication across various networks. This range includes VHF, UHF, and satellite frequencies for maximum connectivity.

One of the key features of the AN/PRC-117 is its ability to operate in a variety of modes, including voice, data, and video transmission. This versatility makes it an ideal choice for teams that need to communicate in different ways.

The AN/PRC-117 has a built-in GPS receiver, which provides location information and timing data to support precise communication. This feature is particularly useful in situations where location and timing are critical.

The system also features a ruggedized design, making it resistant to dust, water, and extreme temperatures. This durability ensures that the AN/PRC-117 can withstand the rigors of harsh environments.

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The AN/PRC-117G has received Type-1 National Security Agency (NSA) certification, allowing secure voice and data communications using the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) waveform.

This certification is significant because it enables the radio to operate on the next-generation US Department of Defense military communications system for delivering mobile satellite connectivity through tactical radios.

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The AN/PRC-117G has already been delivered to the US DoD with more than 30,000 MUOS-capable radios deployed, which can be upgraded with a software update, a diplexer, and an antenna kit.

The radio has also been extensively tested and proven to be field-ready, supporting joint operations through its Type-1 implementation of wideband and legacy waveforms.

The US Marine Corps (USMC) has awarded a contract to Harris to supply Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS)-certified Falcon III AN/PRC-117G multiband manpack tactical radios, with more than 30,000 radios deployed with all branches of the US DoD and allies.

The Harris Corporation's Falcon III AN/PRC-117G Multiband Networking Manpack Radio has been cleared to run the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) waveform following Type-1 National Security Agency (NSA) certification.

This certification allows secure voice and data communications on the AN/PRC-117G using the MUOS waveform. MUOS is the next-generation US Department of Defense military communications system for delivering mobile satellite connectivity through tactical radios.

More than 30,000 MUOS-capable AN/PRC-117G tactical radios have been delivered by Harris, which will be able to deliver the enhanced capability to warfighters with a software upgrade, a diplexer, and an antenna kit.

Chris Young, president of Harris Communication Systems, stated that the NSA certification for the MUOS-enabled AN/PRC-117G allows Harris to continue providing value and leading-edge communications technology to the warfighter on the battlefield.

The USMC has awarded a contract to Harris to supply Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS)-certified Falcon III AN/PRC-117G multiband manpack tactical radios.

The contract is worth $26 million and will provide radios for individual warfighters while expanding wideband tactical networking capabilities.

Harris will supply over 30,000 AN/PRC-117G radios, which have already been deployed with all branches of the US DoD and allies, including Canada, the UK, Germany, Australia, Spain, and Poland.

The AN/PRC-117G radio is significantly lighter and consumes less power than previous generation manpack radios, operating off a single standard battery.

It can maintain peak transmit power of 10W VHF and 20W UHF, and has been extensively tested for joint missions.

The radio also provides critical real-time information to warfighters on the move, enhancing unprecedented situational awareness on the battlefield.

The AN/PRC-117G is software-defined, allowing for easy upgrades to emerging technologies.

It supports joint operations through its Type-1 implementation of wideband and legacy waveforms.

The radio is equipped to host the new Mobile User Objective Satellite waveform, and has been developed for future upgrade to the soldier radio waveform (SRW) and uses the Harris Adaptive Networking Wideband Waveform (ANW2) for high bandwidth data operation.

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