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	Survival Radio AN/PRC-90-2

Downed aircrew have used the AN/PRC-90-2 (a tri-service, handheld, portable, AM, service, survival radio) for rescue purposes. It provides two-way half-duplex voice communication capability on either of two fixed frequencies (243.0 MHz and 282.8 MHz), and it also has a distress beacon capability.

Recent conflicts emphasize the need during wartime for multi-channel radio flexibility to support covert rescue operations in enemy territories. Pilots have used the AN/PRC-112 radio instead of the AN/PRC-90 series radio because of the AN/PRC-112's multi-channel capability. However, its cost is significantly higher than the AN/PRC-90.

Consequently, the U.S. Air Force (USAF) contracted Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) to investigate the potential for developing a cost-effective new design replacement radio for the AN/PRC-90-2.

The proposed replacement radio design will survive the projected operating and storage environments, and provide:

• Programmable multi-channel / mode operation

• Microprocessor control

• Self testing

The new design replicates the AN/PRC-90 functionality to facilitate a gradual conversion of the USAF inventory, if desired.

Some of the many design aspects and features considered included:

• Agile UHF range and modes of operation

• Transmit power

• Transponder capability

• Search and rescue system parameters

• Antenna form

• Battery form and composition

• Microprocessor power

• Programmability of channels and operating modes

• Reconfiguration of stored channels and modes by an external computer

• Field capability to transfer configuration from radio to radio (cloning)

• Throw-away concept

• Use of application specific integrated circuits

• Material choices

• Size and weight, goals, and constraints

• Built-in self test to eliminate the need for a field tester

• Human factors concerning injured aircrew and ease of use

• Actual storage and operating environmental requirements

• A capture feature which allows the operator to render the radio useless

• Optimum layout of controls

For more information about survival radio replacement (AN/PRC-90-2) capabilities at SwRI, or how you can contract with SwRI, please contact Tom Untermeyer at tuntermeyer@swri.org or (210) 522-5040. We can offer you the best approach for solving your communications device development problem.

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Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®), headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, is a multidisciplinary, independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 11 technical divisions.

September 30, 2008