PRC - Portable Radio Communication

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  • AN/PRC-1 RT-30 Suitcase portable, HF, CW transmitter receiver. Built into a common suitcase, the PRC-1 was originally intended for use by the OSS in WW-II. It was however rejected as too heavy. Regardless, it saw extensive service with them and other Intelligence and Guerrilla forces. Ops 2-12mc in two continuously tunable bands, AM or CW (rec). Two bands with Xtal control, CW only (trans). RF power output is 30 watts. Size 18 x 13.25 x 17.25" 32lbs,OD color
  • AN/PRC-2 VHF set for Paratroop Liaison
  • AN/PRC-3 Portable microwave set to replace signal lights
  • AN/PRC-4 Disguised version of BC-611
  • AN/PRC-5 CW transmitter-receiver built for use by special agents of Military Intelligence. Set could be supplied in either luggage-type carry case, or contained in canvas bags. Transmitter ops 4-16mc via 4 plug in coils sets, xtal control with 10-16 watts output. Receiver ops 4.5-16mc continuously tunable in 2 bands. Powered from 110 or 220vac mains. Size 11 x 10 x 4.5", 15lbs. Black crinkle finish
  • AN/PRC-6 RT-196 VHF FM handheld transceiver. Intended to replace the BC-611 of WW-II, development started before the end of that war. The PRC-6 entered service in 1951; preliminary manuals were printed in 1949. It remained in service at least until the mid 1960's. Ops 47-54mc,approx RF output 350mw, 1 channel xtal control. Requires 1.5v/850ma, 45v/8ma, 90v/30ma(trans), 1.5v/550, 45v/12ma, 90v/3ma/, -3v/bs (rec), supplied by BA-270 battery. Size, 4.75 x 4.75 x 14.5,3.5lbs. Accessories include H-33 handset, short tape antenna, AT-249 or AT-340 homing antennas, ID-292 channel alignment indicator, CK-6 xtal kit (42 CR-23 xtals in metal box).
  • AN/PRC-7 (XN-1); Ground, vehicular, or backpack transceiver. Possibly never progressed past the experimental stage, only one has ever been encountered. It is thought to use some common modules with the PRC-10 family of radios. Ops 2-12mc(trans), 2-15mc(rec), AM, on five xtal control channels, with 800mw RF output. Accessories include 10'10"whip antenna, batteries B-34 (6vdc), B-35 (1.5vdc), 3ea B-53 (135vdc). 4 3/4 x 10 1/8 x 9 27/32". Developed by RCA for US Navy circa 1955,original cost $392.00
  • AN/PRC-8 Variants of this family of radios are known to have been produced in numerous countries with some expanding on the U.S. systems to include: Solid state inverter type power supplies that allowed backpack operation from standard batteries (at least France and Canada). Dual type handset and antenna compatibility (at least Canada). R.F. power amplifiers for increased range while mobile (France and Germany).
  • AN/PRC-9 Variants of this family of radios are known to have been produced in numerous countries with some expanding on the U.S. systems to include: Solid state inverter type power supplies that allowed backpack operation from standard batteries (at least France and Canada). Dual type handset and antenna compatibility (at least Canada). R.F. power amplifiers for increased range while mobile (France and Germany).
  • AN/PRC-10 Variants of this family of radios are known to have been produced in numerous countries with some expanding on the U.S. systems to include: Solid state inverter type power supplies that allowed backpack operation from standard batteries (at least France and Canada). Dual type handset and antenna compatibility (at least Canada). R.F. power amplifiers for increased range while mobile (France and Germany).
  • AN/PRC-11
  • AN/PRC-12
  • AN/PRC-13
  • AN/PRC-14 RT-271; Backpack UHF AM transceiver. Intended for use by FAC's in strike control of Fighter Aircraft. Operates on any of four xtal control channels between 225-399.9mc,AM, with approx 1 watt RF output. The PRC 14 can use either an H-33 handset or T-17 mic & HS-30 headphones (in conjunction with CX-2098 cable). Other accessories include CW-293 Radio set bag, CX-2097 power cable, ME-68 ammeter, BB-402 6v wet cell. Circa 1958.
  • AN/PRC-15 Experimental Handheld VHF/FM transceiver. Ops on two xtal control channels, 47-55.4mc,with an output power of 100mw.Requires 45v/12ma & 1.5v/500ma (rec), 45v/24ma & 1.5v/560ma (trans). Size 2 3/8 x 2 1/2 x 10 1/2,3.5lbs.

Jane's Military Communications, 1979/80,81 & 88 List an HF version of the PRC-15 as being in use by US Armed Forces. However, the picture shown has been obviously posed for by a professional model. It is believed that either a type O has been made or this is a Manufactures model number and not an AN/type. The radio pictured bears a strong Southcomm family resemblance. In any case, the PRC-15 designation is not an officially adopted one, nor has the US adopted or do they use this radio with that number affixed.