Survival Radio Replacement (AN/PRC-90-2)
Communications & Embedded Systems
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.
Features of Survival Radio Replacement
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
Related Terminology
survival radio replacement • AN/PRC-90-2 • voice communication • communication devices • communication networks • communication systems • replacement radio • replacement engineering • communications engineering
