What Radio Does the Military Use?
The military uses a variety of radios to communicate with personnel, command centers, and other units. These radios are designed to be durable, reliable, and able to operate in a wide range of environments, from deserts to jungles, and from sea to sky. In this article, we will explore the types of radios used by the military and their unique features.
Types of Military Radios
The military uses several types of radios, including:
- Handheld Radios: These are small, portable radios that can be carried by individual soldiers. Examples include the AN/PRC-148 Multiband Adaptive Radio and the AN/PRC-152 High Frequency (HF) Radio.
- Manpack Radios: These are backpack-mounted radios that can be used by small teams or units. Examples include the AN/VRC-84(V) Radio and the AN/VRC-106(V) Radio.
- Vehicle-Mounted Radios: These are radios that are installed in vehicles, such as trucks or tanks. Examples include the AN/VRC-95(V) Radio and the AN/VRC-105(V) Radio.
- Airborne Radios: These are radios used by aircraft, including helicopters and fixed-wing planes. Examples include the AN/ARC-234 Radio and the AN/ARC-238 Radio.
Features of Military Radios
Military radios have several features that make them suitable for use in a wide range of environments:
- Frequency Agility: Military radios can operate on multiple frequencies, allowing them to communicate with other radios without interference.
- Range: Military radios can operate over long distances, from a few miles to thousands of miles.
- Security: Military radios often have built-in security features, such as encryption and scramblers, to prevent eavesdropping and tampering.
- Environmental Hardening: Military radios are designed to operate in extreme temperatures, humidity, and other environmental conditions.
Examples of Military Radios
Here are a few examples of military radios and their features:
- AN/PRC-117F Falcon II: This is a handheld radio that operates on a wide range of frequencies, from 30 MHz to 3000 MHz. It has a range of up to 100 miles and is used by ground and air units.
- AN/VRC-110(V) Radio: This is a vehicle-mounted radio that operates on multiple frequencies, including VHF, UHF, and satellite frequencies. It has a range of up to 100 miles and is used by ground units.
- AN/ARC-231 Radio: This is an airborne radio that operates on multiple frequencies, including VHF, UHF, and satellite frequencies. It has a range of up to 500 miles and is used by fixed-wing aircraft.
Satellite Communication
Military radios often use satellite communication systems to extend their range and provide global coverage. Examples of satellite communication systems used by the military include:
- Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS): This is a satellite communication system that provides global coverage and high-data-rate communication.
- Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF): This is a satellite communication system that provides secure communication services to the military.
- Global Positioning System (GPS): This is a satellite navigation system that provides location information to military personnel and units.
Comparison of Military Radios
Here is a comparison of some military radios:
| Radio | Frequency Range | Range | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| AN/PRC-117F Falcon II | 30 MHz – 3000 MHz | 100 miles | Handheld, frequency agility |
| AN/VRC-110(V) Radio | VHF, UHF, satellite | 100 miles | Vehicle-mounted, multiple frequencies |
| AN/ARC-231 Radio | VHF, UHF, satellite | 500 miles | Airborne, multiple frequencies |
Conclusion
The military uses a variety of radios to communicate with personnel, command centers, and other units. These radios are designed to be durable, reliable, and able to operate in a wide range of environments. They have features such as frequency agility, range, security, and environmental hardening that make them suitable for use in a wide range of situations. Satellite communication systems are also used to extend the range of military radios and provide global coverage.
