AN/PRC-150(C) HF/VHF Manpack Radio

The AN/PRC-150(C) manpack radio utilizes HF/VHF bands (1.6 to 59.999 MHz) to provide reliable long-range, gap-free voice and data communications. High frequency radio communication is an old concept given new life by this equipment that extends tactical communications far beyond the line-of-sight limitation of other military radios. Usage includes reconnaissance teams, Forward Air Controllers and operational headquarters of Brigade Combat Teams over distances of thirty miles or more without reliance on Retransmission/Relay, or SATCOM.

The AN/PRC-150(C) incorporates U.S. government Type I encryption for enhanced secure voice and data performance. Compared to older designs, the AN/PRC-150(C) achieves reduced size and weight, and extended battery life.

USMC 1LT. Michael Ginn and CPL Joshua Simpson, 3rd Bn, 12th Marine Regiment, enable communications on the roof of a HMMWV using an AN/PRC-150 manpack multi-band radio, Yausubetsu maneuver area, Hokkaido, Japan, 24 Nov 2008.

AN/PRC-150(C) HF/VHF Manpack Radio

AN/PRC-150(C) HF/VHF Manpack Radio. Photo: Harris Corporation.

The AN/PRC-150(C) is designated Falcon II by Harris Corporation, the manufacturer. AN/PRC-150(C) provides half-duplex HF and VHF tactical radio communications, voice (or data using a modem), through Single Sideband modulation selectable for either USB or LSB. The 20 watt power output is provided by either battery (rechargeable BB-390B/U NiMH or BB-2590/U Li) or external electrical power.

The AN/PRC-150(C) is capable of both line of sight (LOS) and beyond line of sight (BLOS) transmission, on the move and from fixed locations, based on the operator's selection of the applicable combination of antenna and radio frequency for the desired distance or area to be covered. The AN/PRC-150(C) is a software-defined radio, enabling changes for new features or standards revisions to be implemented in software in the RT-1964D(P)(C) receiver/transmitter, without hardware modifications.

The basic 20 watt man-pack AN/PRC-150(C) radio can be combined with other components to form versatile systems in four other configurations:

• AN/PRC-104(V)1 20 watt vehicular radio using internal coupler
• AN/PRC-104(V)2 20 watt vehicular radio using external RF-5830 power amplifier/antenna coupler
• AN/PRC-104(V)3 150 watt vehicular radio with RF-382 external antenna coupler
• AN/TRC-210(V)2 400 watt base-station radio set

The vehicular configurations replace legacy AN/PRC-104A and AN/PRC-104B equipment.

Important improvements in the AN/PRC-150(C) include:

• Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) capability compatible with MIL-STD-188-141B to simplify HF operation by quickly and automatically selecting the best channel for users.
• Transmission security provided through embedded NSA-certified Type I encryption, without external encryption equipment. Interoperable with ANDVT/KY-99, ANDVT/KY-100, KG-84C, KY-57 VINSON (VHF), CITADEL (coalition).
• Embedded high-speed digital voice modems perform up to four times faster than older systems with improved reliability. Low rate data to 9.6Kbps using slow-speed audio FSK, high-speed parallel tone and high-speed serial tone.
• Electronic counter-counter measures (ECCM) using a robust frequency-hopping waveform for serial-tone data (75-2,400 bps) and digital voice (600 or 2,400 bps) to reduce the effects of interfering signals or intentional jamming.

The AN/PRC-150(C) interoperates in fixed-frequency modes with SINCGARS radios. It weighs 10 pounds and has dimensions of 10.5 x 3.5 x 13.2 inches. The removable Keypad Display Unit enables operation on the move with the transceiver stowed in the backpack.

The U.S. Special Operations Command, Army and Marine Corps contracted with Harris Corporation for deliveries of the AN/PRC-150(C) with initial fielding in 2001.

The RADIO, HIGH FREQUENCY, MANPACK, AN/PRC-150(C) is assigned NSN 5820-01-492-3628.

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