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.
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.
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 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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