PRC - Portable Radio Communication

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.

AN/PRC-16: Backpack or portable ground VHF, FM transceiver. Adaptation of the normally vehicular RT-70/GRC. Ops 47-58mc,FM, with an RF output of approx 500mw. Requires 6v & 90v supplied by 5ea BA-403, & 1ea BA-419.Circa, 1951.

AN/PRC-17: Handheld VHF/UHF AM transceiver intended for search & rescue service & used by the US Navy. Ops on 121.5 & 243mc AM/MCW, with an RF power output of 50mw.Requires 135v & 1.5v supplied by internal batteries. Size 14 3/4 x 2 5/8 x2 7/8". Original cost circa 1951-1953

AN/PRC-18

AN/PRC-19

AN/PRC-20: Commercial (Sunair) model number for the AN/PRC-108

AN/PRC-21 RT-209: Hand-carried portable VHF/FM transceiver. Probable use was by Military Police & other security forces. Ops on one xtal control frequency between 152-174mc with an RF power output of 150mw. Requires 67.5v/11ma, 45v/10ma, 1.5v/420ma,-6v/10-125ma (rec), 135v/28ma, 67.5v/4ma,

AN/PRC-22: The PRC-22 is described as a UHF "Handie Talkie" capable of operation over the frequency range of 225-399.9mc with a possible 1760 channels. RF output power is rated at 300mw, with AM voice operation. Circa 1951, only three components are noted as being part of the PRC-22 system: R.F Tuner, I.F. amplifier, Power Supply. The latter might indicate the use of a vibrator type power supply and wet cell batteries. Built by Air Associates Inc., contract NObar-52660 June 1951.

AN/PRC-23 RT-235: Hand-carried portable VHF/FM transceiver. Adoption of the commercial Motorola FHTR-1BLL. Ops on one xtal control frequency between 25-30mc with an RF output power of 500mw. Requires 6ea BA-30 1.5v batteries, 3ea BA-51 67.5v batteries, & AT-348 antenna. Size 12 5/8 x 3 1/8 x 12 1/2", 14.9lbs. Circa approx 1953

AN/PRC-24 RT-236: Identical to PRC-23 except operation is from 40-50mc, Motorola model number FHTR-1BH

AN/PRC-25 RT-505: First solid state FM, tactical backpack transceiver, also first to use the now standard 150cps tone squelch system. Ops 30-75.95mc, synthesized, on any of 920 channels at 50 kHz spacing, with 2 mechanically set. RF power output is rated at 2 watts; actual measured output averages 4 watts. Radio can be used vehicular with the addition of the AM-2060 amplifier/power supply (several other types avail), see VRC-53 & GRC-125 for more info. Requires 3v & 12-15v normally supplied by BA-4386 (many battery types exist). Size (RT-505 less battery box) 4 x 11 x 11", 13.5lbs. Numerous accessories were/are produced for the PRC-25/77 family to help it fulfil many roles, the major ones are AT-892 (short tape antenna), AT-271 & AB-591 (long antenna & rubber spring base), AT-912 or AS-1729 (vehicular antennas), T-984 (longwire antenna, RC-292 (fixed station antenna), AT-784 (homing antenna), ST-138 (backpack harness), CY-2562 (battery box), H-138 or H-189 (handsets), CW-503 (canvas antenna & accessories bag).

AN/PRC-26: This number was originally intended to be used on the PRC-35. However, it was skipped to avoid possible confusion with the Canadian CPRC-26. A quantity of these radios were procured by the US in the mid 1950's to be tested as a possible replacement for the PRC-6. For more info see CPRC-26

AN/PRC-27: Backpack UHF/AM transceiver. Intended for use by ground troops for close air support purposes as a replacement for the Navy model MAY. Ops 225-400mc on any one of 4 xtal control channels. R.F. output power is rated at 2 watts. DC power derived from internal dry batteries. Size 3 x 12 x 19", 25 lbs. Built by Designers for Industry, Cleveland Oh., Contract NObar-63367, March 1953.

AN/PRC-28 / RT-339: Backpack VHF, FM transceiver, Identical to PRC-9A, except is not continuously tunable. Ops 30-42mc on any one xtal controlled channel, with an RF output of 850mw.All other parameters, accessories etc are the same as PRC-9A. Original cost, circa 1953, $810.00

AN/PRC-29: Hand carried VHF, FM portable transceiver. Adoption of the commercial Motorola model X-11-1A. Intended for use by guards & security police for internal security or industrial control operations. Ops 30-42mc on one xtal control channel with an RF output power of 750mw. Requires three 45v (Burgess M-30) B batteries, & two ea. 1.5v standard 4F batteries. Accessories include P-8653-A (antenna), P-9096 (battery power supply), K-9098 (carry case), TA-124 (carry strap kit), & P-9094A (microphone). Size 5 x 12 1/8 x 15 1/8" 23.7lbs. US Navy order date 20 Sept. 1954.

AN/PRC-30: Experimental handheld VHF FM transceiver. Very similar to the PRC-15, this set was the first attempt to utilize the then new solid state technology. Ops 25-50mc,on any two of 500 channels, xtal control. With an RF output power of 100mw. Requires 4.5v/15ma & 1.5v/5ma(rec), 4.5v/250ma & 1.5v/450ma (trans). Size 2 x 2 x 8.5", 2lbs 12oz. Ref.#14

AN/PRC-31

AN/PRC-32: Handheld UHF AM, MCW transceiver. Apparently intended for use by downed Airman. Approx vintage 1960. Ops on 243mc, Requires an external battery connected via an umbilical cable (Possibly the same as that used on the URC-4). Size 2 7/8 x 1 3/4 x 4 3/4", haze gray in color.

AN/PRC-33 RT-339: Hand carried VHF FM portable transceiver. Adoption of a militarized commercial radio set Type PS-40 Model HC by Industrial Radio. Ops on any one xtal control channel between 30-42mc,with an RF output power of 750mw. Requires 1.5v (Burgess 8F), 45v, & 135v (both B voltages supplied by multiple Burgess M-39 batteries), a 110vac and various DC vibrator supplies are also known to have been made. Accessories include AT-673 (antenna), CY-1916 (case), & microphone. Size 4.5 x 10 x 11.5", 15lbs. US Navy order date 14 Sept.1955

AN/PRC-34: (X1); Experimental VHF FM helmet transceiver. Ops 38-51mc on any one of twelve xtal control channels, with an RF output power of 30mw. Range (whip extended) 500yds. Requires 1.5v/8ma & 4.5v/13ma(rec), 1.5v/8ma, 4.5v/13ma, & 45v/12ma (trans) provided by a special multi cell battery. Size4 9/16 x 2 7/8 x 3/4"(RT unit), Weight including helmet 3.5lbs. Last manual printing 1961.

AN/PRC-35: (XC-2); Experimental VHF FM portable transceiver. Designed by RCA in conjunction with the PRC-25/VRC-12 equipment as a replacement for the PRC-6. Its original designation of PRC-26 was changed to avoid confusion with a very similar Canadian set (see CPRC-26). Ops 30-69.95 on any 4 presettable frequencies out of 800 synthesized channels spaced 50kc apart. RF power output 600mw. Requires 11.7v/56ma & 26v/7.3ma(rec), 11.7v/71ma & 26v/120ma(trans). Size 11 x 6 3/8 x 3 3/4, 9.5lbs. Known accessories include battery box, handset & antenna (common with PRC-25).

AN/PRC-36: (X1); Experimental VHF FM belt worn transceiver. Designed by RCA in conjunction with the PRC-34. The PRC-36 uses the same basic RT unit as the PRC-34. All operating parameters are the same as the PRC-34 with the exception of frequency range (47.8-51mc).

AN/PRC-37: Handheld VHF FM transceiver. Intended for use by Air Police & with Air Rescue teams as a replacement for the PRC-21 in the US Air Force. Ops 144-174mc, with an RF power output of 1 watt. Power could be provided by either 6 or 12v rechargeable batteries. No other information is available. Reportedly the set could use any of the following accessories, Antenna, case, carry strap, loudspeaker, microphone, & power supply.

AN/PRC-38: HF/SSB, VHF/FM backpack transceiver. Built in very limited quantities by Collins Radio. Ops 20-69.99mc in 10kc steps, FM or USB. A built in antenna tuner can accommodate either 5 & 10ft whips, or a 10ft vehicular antenna. Other accessories common with the PRC-41 include H-33 handset, speaker, & carry harness. Ref. Collins HF Communications Catalogue 1964/65

AN/PRC-39: Portable VHF,FM transceiver. Built by Industrial Radio, suspect this is a commercial type radio similar to the PRC-40, and of tube type or hybrid circuitry. Ops 28-44mc FM with an output power of 1.5 watts. Requires 1.5v, 15v, & 150v. Original cost $439.00.No further information avail.

AN/PRC-40: Hand carried VHF FM portable transceiver. Built by Industrial Radio, it's a non-tactical radio built for police & security forces. Ops 132-152mc,on one xtal control channel, with an output power of 1.5 watts (PRC-40) or 1 watt (PRC-40AX), has built in loud speaker & uses external hand mic. Requires 15v supplied by 6ea Eveready 707 7.5-volt batteries (PRC-40AX) or 1.5v, 15v & 150v(PRC-40). Accessories include 1/4 wave whip type antenna & CY-2625 canvas carry bag with associated straps for over the shoulder or backpack carry. Original cost $1350.00.

AN/PRC-41: Backpack, vehicular or fixed station, UHF, AM transceiver. Entered service approx 1963 with the US Navy & by 1964 was adopted by all services. Ops 225-399.9mc on any one of 1750 synthesized channels spaced 100kc apart. RF output power is 3 watts. (A) models are identical, except are capable of operating X-mode with the TSEC/KY-38. Requires 24vdc normally supplied by vehicle storage battery, BB-451 silver zinc rechargeable battery, or PP-3700 110vac power supply. Weight 44.6 lbs. with battery. Accessories include H-33 handset, LS-166 loudspeaker, AS-1404 antenna (can be used portable, vehicular or fixed station), AS-1405 directional fixed station antenna, AB-777 mast, CY-3885 transit case, MT-2976 vehicle mount radio, MT-2977 mounting, CX-8686 power cable, CX-8687 power cable, CX-8688 spec purpose electrical cable, harness set, rucksack, frame. Original cost $4370.00.

AN/PRC-42: Backpack HF/SSB transceiver. Intended for tactical use in support of amphibious operations. Ops 2-12mc with a possible 20,000 channels. R.F output power is rated at 20 watts. Operable from 110vac 60cps, or internal batteries (27.5vdc). Built by AVCO Mfg. Corp, Lawrence, Mass. contract NObar-77507, November 1958. Ref. #38. A second description of this radio exists as printed in a late 60's edition of "Electronics, a McGraw-Hill publication". Here it is noted as being a developmental radio by AVCO that turned into the PRC-70 program. Ops 2-76mc in 1kc steps with an R.F. output power of 40 watts. 32 lbs.

AN/PRC-43

AN/PRC-44: Navy flight deck communication system. Ref. late 60's edition of "Electronics", a McGraw-Hill publication. No further information.

AN/PRC-45

AN/PRC-46: General purpose VHF, FM portable transceiver. Ops 144-174mc on one xtal control channel with an output power of 1 watt. Requires 10.5v (rec), 1.5v & 150v (trans).

AN/PRC-47: RT-671; two man, pack-portable HF USB/CW transceiver. Collins designed and built for use by Special Forces. Ops 2-12mc on any one of 10,000 synthesized frequencies spaced every 1kc. RF output power is 100 watts (high) or 20 watts (low). Requires 110vac(400cps) or 24vdc supplied by vehicle storage battery, or BB-451 silver zinc rechargeable battery. Size (RT-671) 7 x 13.5 x 21.25, 42lbs. Accessories include CY-3700 transit case, CW-647 panel cover, H-33 handset, LS-166 loudspeaker, H-233 headphones, J-45 telegraph key, MX-4430 battery adapter terminal, CX-8393 AC power cable, CX-8394 DC power cable, CX-8395 battery cable, AS-1320 whip antenna & canvas bag, AS-1321 long wire antenna, MT-2786 legs & ground plane & canvas bag, MK-1519 vertical installation kit, CV-2455 TTY converter, 2 ea pack frames, rucksack bag. A small 110vac/400cps gas generator is also known to have been built by Homelite based on a chain saw motor. Original equipment cost $6004.00.

AN/PRC-48

AN/PRC-49: Handheld UHF, AM/MCW transceiver. Designed for use by downed aircrew. Ops 225-400mc on any one xtal control channel with an RF power output of 100-250mw. Size 5.75 x 1.75 x 3.75". Solid State Design requires 6 and 14vdc supplied by an external battery. No further information. Original cost $1080.00.

(various); Variants of the PRC-49 are known to exist, these include PRC-49A, B, & C. It is unknown the differences between these & previous versions, as all share the same basic features & parameters. It is possible that the only difference is in the original manufacturer/supplier. C models are reported to include a volume control.

AN/PRC-50

AN/PRC-51

AN/PRC-52: Portable HF/CW transmitter-receiver. Ops 3-16mc Rx, 3-32 MHz Tx, CW Tx only, crystal controlled, 5W with Amp AM-2855, 15 W with AM-2856, runs from 6-72 VDC or 110 VDC, 2 penlight cells (3vdc) for Rx. Built by Delco and Victory. Ref. late 60's edition of "Electronics", a McGraw-Hill publication.

AN/PRC-53: Headset VHF, FM transceiver. Developed & manufactured by the Overhaul & Repair Department, US Navy Air Station, Norfolk VA. This radio is a repackaged PRC-34/36 into a headset intended for use in extreme noise environments, & can be incorporated into a standard Naval ground air crewman's protective helmet. For more information see PRC-34 & 36.Circa 1961

AN/PRC-54

AN/PRC-55: Receiver transmitter, VHF, FM. Built by Allied Signal with an original Navy cost of $1810.00. Ops on one channel, 132-150.8mc, A3, size 4 x12 X 16", 8.4vdc operating voltage, NSN 5820-00-757-3010. No further information.