From: military-radio-guy Full-Name: Dennis R Starks To: military radio collectors#3 Fcc: Sent Date: Thu, 23 Sep 1999 03:52:46 Subject: MILITARY COLLECTOR GROUP POST, Sept.23/99 Message-ID: <19990923.035152.11679.6.military-radio-guy@juno.com> X-Status: Sent X-Mailer: Juno 1.49 MILITARY COLLECTOR GROUP POST, Sept.23/99 Index: PRC'S FROM ISRAEL; Part II, by Jan Bury *********************************************** PRC'S FROM ISRAEL; Part II, by Jan Bury UHF Airband Manpacks: Again, everything started with the production of the US-supplied radios. The PRC-66T was an equivalent of the original radio, offering AM voice communications in 225-400 MHz band at 50 kHz spacing. The set could transmit at 2 W RF. Produced in the late 1960s. Later, an upgraded radio was fielded, named PRC-660T. This set offered more channels operation in UHF air spectrum. Main unit was the RT-6241T, while battery was the BA-4660T (24 V). This set was introduced in 1971. During the late 1960s, the IDF created the Forward Air Controllers units, who were supposed to guide attack jets over the enemy positions. Such units saw combat during 1967, 1973 and 1982 wars. They were equipped with reliable UHF air band radios to communicate with the pilots. Currently there are two units in the IDF that deal exclusively with directing combat pilots to their targets: the first is the Unit 5101 a.k.a. Sayeret Shaldag and the second is the Unit 5707. It seems they were created a long time ago and are supposed to be the main customers for tactical UHF air band radios. Of course, the other users of UHF sets were from the Israel Air Force air traffic controllers and commanding units/posts. There were also more or less cloned versions of foreign air band radios, made by Elta. The most popular were EL/K-1001A and EL/K-1005A. Those sets could work throughout the entire UHF air band at 50 or 25 kHz spacing. Survival Radios: Unfortunately, very little is known about the airmen survival radios made in Israel. Supposedly, the PRC-90s were used by the IAF's fast jets aviators during the 1970s and 1980s. Currently, Tadiran manufactures a very interesting survival radio, which I would compare with the US-made Motorola PRC-112. It seems that Tadiran Spectalink is the original designer of the PRC-434. This is a small set to be worn inside IAF pilots' survival vests. The set can send emergency signals at 121.5 and 243 MHz AM. It also supports secure voice communications over distress channels and extra programmable ones within the UHF air band, with transponder and DME function to guide rescue units to the downed airman without compromising his position to the enemy's SIGINT efforts. The PRC-434 has two known versions: the basic PRC-434A and an advanced PRC-434C. Apart from the aviators, it seems that the PRC-434 is issued to the Special Forces operators to call for pick-up, as well as elite IAF's Unit 669 Combat SAR Squadron. The PRC-434C is probably equipped with an embedded GPS receiver. Summary This article was to give a general approach to the modern PRC radios used by the Israeli Army. Some of them are outdated, some are very modern and still little is known about their specifications. I wanted to avoid speculation in my article, however I found very difficult verifying the information I collected. I hope you will forgive me that. There is one bizarre thing observed: the IDF radiomen use to turn up their radios at maximum volume when in low-threat environment, like in the Occupied Territories. This, linked with the characteristic noise produced by the FM PRCs at the end of each transmission, probably gives a feeling of the almighty Israeli military machine. Jan Bury Warsaw, Poland e-mail: yahya@orient.uw.edu.pl Sources of information 1. Tadiran's TMs and advertising material. 2. Websites concerning Israel Defense Forces. 3. Bamachane IDF Soldiers' Magazine. 4. Samuel M. Katz: "Tools of Trade. The Weapons, Gear & Uniforms of the IDF," Concord Publications Company (Cat. no. 1016) Hong Kong, 1991. 5. Samuel M. Katz: "Israel's Cutting Edge," Concord Publications Company (Cat. no. 1005) Hong Kong, 1990. 6. Jane's Military Communications, 1968-1998/1999. 7. Journal of Electronics Defense, 1998. 8. Author's own observation. ed) I must commend Jan on his fine efforts in this article especially given that English is his second language. Only a two, or three very minor corrections in grammar were needed in it's editing. Far less than I've had to do for noted American authors who have submitted material to us. * The Israeli PRC-74T differs from it's U.S. Parent only in that it also includes an AME voice mode, where the U.S. version does not. * The submersible versions of the PRC-601 have the "S" sub-designation, as do their higher frequency twins, the PRC-602 & -602S. More info on this and other Israeli PRC's can be seen below. * Virtually every country bordering Israel is, or has used PRC-77 derived radios, including Iran who began production of their own version in the early 80's. The following data was extracted from "Military Radio Data, Vol. I, PRC Designater Equipment" by Me. 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 interred 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). The PRC-6 has been "cloned" by a number of foreign countries(at least Germany & Israel)additionally, both foreign & domestic examples can be found that have been converted to solid state. Original cost circa 1952 $104.50-$185.90. Ref.#23,#28,#30,any TM11-487 post 1950 PRC-74T; Variant of the PRC-74B built by Tadrin in Israel.This model is identical to the US version with the exception of an added AME mode. The Basic RT unit can be combined with an amplifier/power unit (OA-7040T) & mounting MT-7400T to form the VRC-740T vehicular system. Ref.#10,#11 PRC-74(?); Two other variants of the PRC-74 have been reported to exist. These both include 2-30mc coverage,but in different manors. #1.Is of U.S. origin & is a Depo modification of a standard PRC-74 which includes an outboard conversion along with internal modifications. #2.Is of Israeli origin,with all modifications being internal..Ref.#31 PRC-75/RT-976; Handheld UHF,AM transceiver.Intended purpose similar to that of the PRC-66.This Collins built radio operates 225-399.9mc one of 3500 front panel setable channels(three each thumb operated dials). AM/MCW with an output power of 1 watt.Requires 18-30vdc. Accessories include AS-2447 14.6"tape antenna,UG-1884 BNC antenna adapter, CX-12162 DC/Audio cable, LS-549 loud speaker, CY-6472, CY-6729, ST-162, also various vehicular installation equipment.Size 1.6 x 4.3 x 8", 6lbs. Known users include the US Army,Navy,Marine Corps, & Israeli Armed forces. In the cast of the latter, U.S. stocks are known to have been supplemented by Israeli sources just prior to Operation Desert Storm. Original cost $7277.00. Ref.#13(WS-91),#28,31 PRC-80S/RT-3088; Back-pack or vehicular, VHF, FM transceiver. Built in Israel by Tadiran, the PRC-80S is part of the VHF-88S series of radio equipment.Designed for use in electronic warfare environments, this series can be equipped to evade enemy surveillance.When provided with it's various accessories it can be used as a backpack, vehicular, or manpack system, & is capable of ECCOM & Comsec operation. Features include key-pad programming of frequency & mode with LCD display,frequency hopping & digital comsec options, compatibility with older systems, 25kc channel spacing with 5 or 10kc offsets above or below the operating frequency, 11 preset channel capacity, high speed digital data transmission, & built in test equipment. Ops 30-87.975mc in 25kc steps plus 5 or 10kc offsets above or below the channel frequency. RF power output is a selectable .25 or 4 watts.Requires 12vdc from internal dry or rechargeable batteries, or external 24vdc vehicular source with proper equipment. Size 260mmH x 250mmW x 80mmD, 7.2kg(basic backpack version with nicad battery), 260mmH x 320mmW x 80mmD, 9.1kg(full complement manpack with nicad battery). Known accessories include common antenna & audio equipment with existing radios, AU-4088 audio unit/battery holder, AT-888 short tape antenna, AT-288 portable long range antenna, ASU-80 Comsec/ECCOM unit, SEC-8088 digital encryption device, KGL-8000 comsec key loader, AU-6088 vehicular audio unit, MT-7088 vehicular mount(for use when optional comsec units included), MT-7188 vehicular mount(for use with basic PRC-80S, VRC-800S, or VRC-8000S), AM-5088 50 watt Vehicular amplifier(VRC- 8000S), C-8842 vehicular remote control/channel selector, AS-1288(long) or AS-1188(short) vehicular antennas. Ref.#12 PRC-104,RT-1209/URC; Manpack, Backpack or vehicular, HF, SSB/CW transceiver. Conceived as a replacement for the PRC-74, & in part the PRC-47 approx 1976. The PRC-104 uses LSI micro-miniaturised circuit design & it's claimed to be the first use of this technology in a radio of this type The radio features a built in automatic antenna tuner that will load a very wide variety of antennas from standard VHF whip to long wire types. It can transmit voice, data,& use various COMSEC equipment. Additionally it can be combined with various accessories to provide higher power(PRC-105), vehicular(GRC-213) & 400watt vehicular(MRC-138) or base(GRC-193) operation. Frequency selection is accomplished via a six place push-button panel switch, a field change provides for LCD display & dual direction frequency control. The receiver/exciter unit alone(RT-1209) is used as the heart of several HF mobile, portable, & base systems. Ops 2-30mc in 100cps steps, for a possible 280,000 frequencies. RF power output is rated at 20 watts, USB/LSB. Requires 12.5v derived from internal(7ah batteries) or external source. Size 2 5/8"h x 12"w x 10 1/5"d, 19.8lbs(with battery box, handset & whip antenna). Known accessories include AS-2259(transportable antenna) (AT-271 can be used for backpack portable operation), AT-129 whip spring base, AM- 6874 amplifier/antenna coupler, CY-8291 transit case, H-250 or H-189 handset, CY-7541 battery box, KY-872 CW Key, KG-65 secure device, AM-7152 audio amplifier/24v power supply(part of GRC-213), AM-6879/URC audio/RF amplifier/power supply/FSK converter(MRC-138 or GRC-193), MT-2154 & MT-623(part of GRC-213). Developed by Hughes(model HC-191) for the US Navy, the PRC-104 has since been adopted by them, the US Marine Corps, the US Air Force, & at least 5 other countries. Estimated total production as of 1988 is 9000 sets. Additionally the PRC-104 has been marketed by the British company Rediffusion(Redifon), & is manufactured in Sweden, & Israel(Tadiran was awarded a US Marine Corps contract for 7.6 million dollars in 1986). Original cost US Navy circa 1986 $7317.07.NSN 5920-01-027-9071. Ref.#9A,#10,#11,#12,#28,#29,#30 PRC-174/RT-936; Back-pack, Vehicular HF, SSB/AM/CW & data transceiver. A U.S. designed system, the PRC-174 is built in Israel by Tadiran & is part of their HF-700 series of equipment. The Basic RT-936 serves as the heart of several portable or vehicular configurations, with optional power levels of 20 to 500 watts. Features include digital synthesis with six push-button frequency selection, LSB/USB/DSB(AME)/CW(narrow)/CW(wide) modes, & automatic silent tuning. Ops 2-30mc in 100cps steps for a possible 280,000 channels.RF power output is rated at 20 watts. Requires 22-32vdc supplied by batteries (silver zinc or nicad rechargeable).Size 2 11/16"H x 10 5/16"W x 11 5/8"D, 12.5 lbs(less battery). Known accessories/configurations include, compatibility with earlier generation antennas, audio accessories, power supplies, & mountings, also specially designed automatic test sets, & remote control equipment. AM-1760 100 watt amplifier & OA-807 mount(VRC-176). AM-4760 500 watt amplifier & OA-807 mount(VRC-476). Introduced 1978. Ref.#10,#11,#12 PRC-174/RT-936S; This radio is the same as the PRC-174/RT-936 except has these added features & improvements, frequency stability, noise blanking, voice processing, adjustable BFO, & a computer interface. Ref.#10 PRC-277/RT-2841; Back-pack VHF,FM transceiver.Built in Israel by Tadiran,the PRC-277 is outwardly identical to the U.S.AN/PRC-77. Internally, it incorporates several improvements, & features, these include 25kc channel spacing, advanced components & circuitry, X mode operation, complete module & accessory interchangeability. This interchangeability is so complete that existing PRC-77's can be converted to the new configurations with simple module, & minor mechanical changes(PRC-377). For operational parameters & accessories, see PRC-25 & PRC-77. Some confusion exist as to the descriptions of the PRC-277 & PRC-377. One is apparently the result of a converted PRC-77.While the other is a factory produced version.It is not known which is which. Ref.#12 PRC-377/RT-3841; Back-pack VHF,FM transceiver.Israeli produced set that is operationally, & physically identical to the PRC-77.For more information, see PRC-277. Ref.#10,#11,#12 PRC-601; Handheld, VHF, FM transceiver. The PRC-601 is a ultra-small tactical radio intended for use by combat personnel in small platoon or squad sized units. Special models are available to meet other tactical needs (see PRC-602, PRC-601S, & PRC-602S). The radio features extreme heavy construction, built in separate loud speaker & microphone, & an external audio connection accepts any standard handset or headset. Channel installation can be easily done in the field with no special alignment equipment. Ops 47-57mc(optionally any 10mc segment of 30-80mc), with 25kc channel spacing for a possible 401 channels. Six preset xtal control channel capacity. RF power output is rated 1 watt.Requires 10-14vdc as supplied by lithium or rechargeable nicad batteries(these appear to be the same as those used in the PRC-90). Size 6 11/16"H x 3 5/16"W x 1 11/16"D, 1.9lbs, 2.5lbs(with battery). Built in Israel by Tadiran, & the US by GTE.The PRC-601 interred service with the Israeli Army in 1976 as a replacement for the US PRC-6, with an original cost of approx $1000.00. Though it was also manufactured in the US, it is unknown whether any have been used by US forces. Ref.#10,#11,#12 PRC-601S; The PRC-601S is identical to the PRC-601, except that it has been developed specifically for use by Naval frogmen & commandos.As such, it can be transported under water with no protective case, depths of 45mtrs or more require only plugs to protect the earphone & microphone. With the operators head & shoulders above water, a range of 9 miles is said to easily be acheived.For more information,see PRC-601. Ref.#10,#11,#12 PRC-602; The PRC-602 is identical to the PRC-601, with the exception it is supplied to cover the frequency range of 70-80mc. For more information see PRC-601. Ref.#10,#11,#12 PRC-602S; The PRC-602S is identical to the PRC-602, & the PRC-601.Except for those deferences noted for the PRC-601S. For technical specifications, see PRC-601,& PRC-602. For Special use, see PRC-601S. Ref.#10,#11,#12 PRC-613; Handheld VHF,FM transceiver.Built in Israel by Tadiran,the PRC-613 is basically an improved version of the PRC-601 family, with the same operational purpose. Most features of the PRC-613(& PRC-614) are the same as those for the PRC-601 family, & they share the same battery, antenna, & audio accessories. Cosmetically however they are slightly different. The PRC- 614 is identical to the PRC-613 except for frequency range. Features include micro-electronic synthesizer frequency control, for 25kc channel spacing, & miniature push-button digital frequency selection. All tuning is electronic, with no moving parts. Antenna output is protected against open & short circuits. And a special adapter kit is available for operation from 8 AA nicad batteries. Ops 36-53mc on any frequency with 25kc spacing. RF power output is 1watt minimum. Requires 10-14vdc 70ma(rec.squelched), 90ma(rec, operating), 285ma(transmit). Size 8 3/9"H x 3 5/16"W x 1 11/16"D, 3.5lbs(with battery). The PRC-613 & 614 interred service with the Israeli army in 1979, it is unknown whether it shares the same US/Israeli background as it's predecessors, the PRC-601 family. Ref.#10,#11,#12 PRC-614; The PRC-614 is identical to the PRC-613 except for a frequency range of 53-76mc. For more information see PRC-613. Ref.#10,#11,#12 PRC-624; Israeli VHF/FM hand-held transceiver. Built by Tadiran, the PRC- 624 was designed as a tactical radio for intra-team communications. Features LCD data display, Built in loud speaker and microphone, 10 preset channel capacity, selectable RF power output, data compatible at 10bits/s to 20kbits/s, and expected battery life of 17hrs(at 2w) and 24hrs(at .5w). Ops 30-88mc in 25kc steps providing a possible 2320 channels. RF power output is rated at 2w(high) and .5w(low). Size: 180 x 40 x 80mm at less than 1kg(with battery & antenna). Accessories include external audio devices compatible with other standard types, option pre-packaged lithium or standard AA alkaline types. Ref.#12C PRC-660T/RT-6241T; Back-pack UHF, AM transceiver. Built in Israel by Tadiran, the PRC-660 is intended to perform a similar role as the PRC- 41 & PRC-66, in ground to air front line combat communications. The basic RT-6241T can be combined with ancillary equipment to form various PRC, VRC configurations.In externally, the PRC-660 looks very much like a PRC-77, & it shares many accessory items including, carry equipment, audio accessories, battery boxes, vehicle mounts etc. Features include integrated circuit design, digital frequency tuning with four rotary knob switches, 50kc or optional 25kc spacing for a possible 3500 or 7000 channels. Ops 225-399.975mc with an RF output of 1.7 watts minimum. Requires 23-38vvdc(vehicular role ?). Size 3 15/16"H x 11"W x 11"D,13lbs 3oz, 17lbs 9oz(with battery). Known accessories & configurations include: PRC-660T; CY-2562T battery box, AT-6600T portable antenna, H-189 or equivalent handset, BA-4660T magnesium battery(optional nicad types available). RM/VRC-240T; (ground station service) AM-2411T 16 watt amplifier with loud speaker, ICY-240T rack mount adapter(includes PS-2400T AC/DC power supply. VRC-249T; (vehicular installation) same as RM/VRC-240T with a MT-1029 mount substituted for the ICY-240T, & the addition of a C-2410T remote control. Development of the PRC-660T began as a private venture in 1971, it interred service with the Israeli army in 1979 with a unit cost of approx $8000(PRC-660T), & $12,000-$14,000(VRC-240T dependant on version).These systems are currently is use by several countries, though as of 1988 they were being replaced by the PRC-660UV in Israel. Ref.#10,#11,#12 PRC-660UV; Back-pack VHF/UHF, AM transceiver. Built in Israel by Tadiran, the dual band PRC-660UV was introduced in 1984 as a replacement for the single band PRC-660T. The VHF aircraft band has been included for those that require communications with civil aviation. Features include digital frequency synthesis for 1700 VHF, & 7000 UHF channels. Full remote control of various configurations. Optional secure voice(X mode)operation with digital encryption. All accessory items that are not required for VHF operation are compatible with those for the PRC-660T. Ops 116-156mc with 1600 channels(optional 800), 225-400mc with 7000 channels(optional 3500). All other parameters are the same as the PRC- 660T. Ref.#12 PRC-730; Back-pack,VHF, FM, frequency hopping transceiver.The PRC-730 number may be the result of a type error, in Ref.#12.The actual number may be PRC-370. Built in Israel by Tadiran, this radio is part of their CNR-900 series of equipment. It can be combine with numerous ancillary equipments to provide portable, ground, vehicular, & aircraft installations in much the same manor as the US PRC-119. These include the VRC-742 short, & VRC-745 long range vehicular radios, CNR-900U aircraft, & a dual transceiver VRC-1465 for long range repeater operation. Features include digital frequency display, key-pad entry of frequency channel & mode(these functions can also be interred from an external loader or cloned from another already programmed set).Full band frequency hopping with ten presets. Data transmission at 16kbs, & ten presetable voice or data channels. Ops 30-89.975mc in 25k steps for a possible 2,320 channels. RF output power is a selectable 4 watts or 250mw(50 watts in high power vehic- ular role). Requires 12, 9-14, or 24vdc dependant on the installation. Size 85mmH x 240mmW x 310mmD, 7.5kg(8kg with ECCOM). It is possible that this equipment is being supplied by Tadiran on a second source basis to the U.S.Singars Program, specifically the RT-1439. Ref.#12, #12C PRC-2077; Back-pack VHF, FM transceiver. Built in Israel by Tadiran, the PRC-2077 appears to be a highly updated replacement for the PRC-77. Size & all associated accessory items are the same as that for the PRC-25 or 77. Additionally this radio features 25kc channel spacing with four digital switches, & an LED display. Ten preset channels can be selected by a front panel push-button or via a remote control box. All internal tuning is electronic with no moving parts. Wide band audio response allows transmission of data & use of encryption devices. Ops 30-76mc in 25kc steps for a possible 1840 channels. RF power output is rated at 2 watts. Requires 10-15vdc(90ma standby, 1.1amp trans) as supplied by various battery combinations including BA-386 (carbon-zinc), & nicad rechargeable, or lithium types(plastic incased with replaceable cells). The AM-2065 power amplifier/adapter allows vehicular use. Size 3 15/16"H x 9 1/4"W x 10 1/8"D, 11lbs/10oz. Ref.#10 PRC-2200/RT-2001; Back-pack HF,LSB/USB/AM/CW/Data transceiver. Built in Israel by Tadiran, the PRC-2200 is part of their HF-2000 adaptive HF radio system, & appears to be a highly updated replacement for the PRC- 174.The basic RT-2001 can be combined with a variety of ancillary equipment to provide PRC,VRC or GRC type installations,with power levels of 5-150 watts. Features include separate LCD displays for frequency, channel, data, & bar-gragh/level. Key pad entry of frequencies, preset channels & mode. Optional ECCOM & encryption capabilities via plug in cards. An integral automatic antenna tuner that can be removed & located next to a remote whip for vehicular or static operation.16(optional 99) preset channel capacity, & selective calling with up to 30 addresses. Data transmission at 2.4kbs. Ops 1.5-30mc in 100cps steps for a possible 285,000 channels.RF power output is a selectable 5, 10 or 20 watts. Size 85mmH x 250mmW x 350mmD, 7.3kg. Known accessories & configurations include CP-2003 integral antenna coupler, MT-20023 vehicular mount(VRC-2020). MT-2103 combination VHF/HF radio vehicular mount, CP-2103 150watt amplifier/antenna coupler(VRC- 2100). TFM-2111 frequency management unit. Ref.#12 Dennis Starks; Collector/Historian Midwest Military Communications Museum email: military-radio-guy@juno.com *********************************************** The preceding was a product of the"Military Collector Group Post", an international email magazine dedicated to the preservation of history and the equipment that made it. Unlimited circulation of this material is authorized so long as the proper credits to the original authors, and publisher or this group are included. For more information concerning this group or membership contact Dennis Starks at, . A list of selected articles of interest to members can be seen at: http://www.softcom.net/users/buzz/backmail.html ***********************************************