AN/PRC-148 Multiband Inter/Intra Team Radio (MBITR)

The AN/PRC-148 is a small and light full-featured Combat Net Radio (CNR) operating contiguously over the 30-512 MHz frequency range. The radio has imbedded US Type-1 COMSEC protection and is capable of both voice and data modes of operation. The AN/PRC-148 provides a hand held, highly flexible tactical radio useful over a very broad range of combat environments.

The AN/PRC-148 is the cornerstone of a complete system solution for the warfighter which includes a Vehicle Adapter with a unique, cable-free, rapid radio dismount capability; dual radio AN/VRC-111 Vehicle Adapter Amplifier; Base Station for fixed applications; Tactical Repeater for range extension; and compact, rugged Man Portable System for dismounted operations requiring higher power output.

USMC SGT Brandon Shofne, 2nd Combat Engineers Battalion, uses an MBITR AN/PRC-148 to report descriptions of ordnance found during a weapon cache sweep in Kharma, Iraq, 6 Dec 2005
USMC SGT Brandon Shofne, 2nd Combat Engineers Battalion, uses an MBITR AN/PRC-148 to report descriptions of ordnance found during a weapon cache sweep in Kharma, Iraq, 6 Dec 2005.

Today in WW II: 21 May 1942 Sinking of the Mexican tanker Faja de Oro by German submarine U-160, off Key West, precipitates Mexican declaration of war against Nazi Germany.   

AN/PRC-148 Multiband Inter/Intra Team Radio (MBITR)

Marines of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit perform a radio check on their AN/PRC-148 radio during a tactical command post exercise at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, 30 April 2007
Marines of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit perform a radio check on their AN/PRC-148 radio during a tactical command post exercise at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, 30 April 2007.

The AN/PRC-148 was developed by Thales Communications, Inc., Clarksburg, MD, originally designated as the Multiband Inter/Intra Team Radio (MBITR). First fielded in 2001, the AN/PRC-148 MBITR replaced complex man-pack radios weighing up to 60 pounds with a two pound handheld unit and simplified operations. The AN/PRC-148 program advanced to the next generation with the AN/PRC-148 Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Enhanced MBITR, or JEM. As a software defined radio, JEM can be enhanced with legacy waveforms and software -- ensuring interoperability with presently fielded radios -- as well as with newly developed and future capabilities.

PRC-148 radios are used in Afghanistan for intrasquad communications, such as those in patrols. Instead of hand signals, these Type One encrypted radios, which use the Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS) waveform, allow foot patrolling Soldiers and Marines to communicate back to their vehicle. As of 2009, more than 150,000 AN/PRC-148 radios are deployed or on order.

The AN/PRC-148 contains embedded Type I COMSEC and is interoperable with SINCGARS and HAVEQUICK II (frequency-hopping system) in the single-channel and the ECCM frequency hopping modes. It can be configured for vehicular applications (with the AN/VRC-111 Vehicle Adapter Amplifier and Range Extender) and has spawned a range of accessories to expand its capabilities and ease of use.

The AN/PRC-148 JEM was the first JTRS-compatible radio certified for compliance with SCA Software Communications Architecture (with waivers) and successfully completed comprehensive U.S. Government testing and qualification.

AN/PRC-148 Product Family

This chart indicates the model numbers for the major receiver-transmitter assemblies of the AN/PRC-148 product family. The National Stock Numbers (NSN) for some of these items is in another table lower down on the page.

Model Number Description NSN
AN/PRC-148 (V)1(C) 5 Watt MBITR Maritime, immersible in salt water to 20 meters for 2 hours 5820-01-487-097
AN/PRC-148 (V)2(C) 5 Watt MBITR Urban, immersible in salt water to 2 meters for 30 minutes 5820-01-487-0973
AN/PRC-148 (V)3(C) 5 Watt JEM Maritime, immersible in salt water to 20 meters for 2 hours 5895-01-554-7926
AN/PRC-148 (V)4(C) 5 Watt JEM Urban, immersible in salt water to 2 meters for 30 minutes 5895-01-554-7949
AN/PRC–6809 5 Watt PRC-6809-ABR-BAS, MBITR Maritime, immersible in salt water to 20 meters for 2 hours (Limited COMSEC) 5820-01-523-5276
AN/PRC–6809 5 Watt PRC-6809-BBR-BAS, MBITR Urban, immersible in salt water to 2 meters for 30 minutes (Limited COMSEC) 5820-01-523-5722
MA7035 20 Watt Man Portable System  
MA7036 20 Watt AN/VRC-111 Vehicle Adapter Amplifier  
MA6943 20 Watt Vehicle Adapter  
MA7134-DVA 50 Watt AN/VRC-111 Vehicle Adapter Amplifier–Dual Channel Version  
MA7134-SCA 50 Watt AN/VRC-111 Vehicle Adapter Amplifier–Single Channel Version  
GRC6781 20 Watt Base Station  
TRC6730 20 Watt Tactical Repeater  
MA6795 Remote Control Unit (RCU) with GPS  

NSNs in this table from Thales Communications, Inc. product catalog. Other NSNs have been used for some of the AN/PRC-148 family.

AN/PRC-148 Operating Chracteristics

Modulation Types AM and FM (Software)
Transmit Output Power 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 3.0 & 5.0 watts (FM)
1.0 & 5.0 watts (AM)
User Selectable
Emergency Beacons and GPS AM Swept Tone Beacon
GPS Interface to PLGR
Programmable Channels 100 Memory Preset Channels
Menu Selectable Groups
User Programmable From Front Panel Menu, PC Programmer, or Radio-Radio Cloning
Controls On/Off/Volume/Whisper/Zeroize Knob
16-Position Channel Select Knob
Large Tactile Push-To-Talk Switch
Squelch Override Push-button
Backlit 7 Button Keypad (NVG Compatible)
2 Software Configurable Option Keys
Indicators 32 x 80 Pixel Backlit LCD (NVG Compatible)
Intuitive Menu Driven User Interface
Channel Name/Frequency
Group Name
Clear/Secure Mode
Key Location
Battery Capacity
Transmit Power
Connectors 50 Ohm TNC Antenna
10 Pin Multi-function
Immersion Sealed Top Connector (20M)
6-Pin Multi-function Top Connector (2M)
18-Pin Side Connector for Extended Capabilities and Upgrades
COMSEC US Type 1
VINSON & FED-STD-1023
Selective Key Zeroization
Panic Radio Zeroization with Mechanical Interlock Protection
Receive OTAR Compatible
6 Key Locations

AN/PRC-148
AN/PRC-148

AN/PRC-148 Physical Chracteristics

Length* 8.44 inches (21.44 cm)
Width* 2.63 inches (6.68 cm)
Depth* 1.52 inches (3.86 cm)
Volume* 33.74 cu. inches (552.8 cubic cm)
Weight* 30.6 ounces (867.5 gm)
Operating Temperature -31° to +60° C
Storage Temperature -33° to +71° C
Humidity 95# non-condensing
Shock & Vibration EIA-603-1992
Altitude 30,000 Feet

* with battery. All specifications from Thales Communications, Inc.

AN/PRC-148 Accessories

Batteries Rechargeable Lithium-Ion 3000 mAH >8 Hours Life at 5 Watts*
Non-Rechargeable Battery Holder Commercial Lithium Cells 10 Hour Life at 5 Watts *
Antenna Sets 30-90 MHz
30-512 MHz
Base station, vehicluar and SATCOM
Other Accessories Vehicle Adapter
Radio Holster
Radio System Carrying Bag
AC Powered Single Battery Charger
AC/DC Powered 6-way Battery Charger
Audio Accessories
Adapters, Cables, and Connectors

* Standard Duty Cycle (8:1:1). All specifications from Thales Communications, Inc.

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