The AN/PRC-163 Multi-channel Handheld Radio, is a dual-channel tactical handheld radio manufactured by L3Harris Technologies, Inc. for the U.S. military, referred to by the U.S. Army as the Leader Radio.[1] It is capable modes such as VHF/UHF Line-of-Sight (VULOS), SINCGARS, Soldier Radio Waveform, Tactical Scalable MANET, P25 as well as the Mobile User Objective System satellite communication mode. The dual channel capability allows a soldier to simultaneously communicate on two separate radio networks. It has received NSA certification for the transmission of Top Secret information with an appropriate encryption key.[2] The PRC-163 is one of the Handheld, Manpack & Small Form Fit (HMS) components[3] of the Integrated Tactical Network family of radios,[1] the U.S. Army's modernization strategy for tactical radios. It is a member of L3Harris' Falcon IV family of tactical radios, and the successor to the Falcon III-family AN/PRC-152 Multiband Handheld Radio.
| AN/PRC-163 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Handheld dual channel tactical radio |
| Service History | |
| In service | 2018 - ongoing |
| Used by | US Army, US Marine Corps, US Navy, |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | L3Harris |
| Production years | 2018 - ongoing |
| Specifications | |
| Frequency range | VHF, UHF (see specifications) |
| Transmit power | LOS: up to 5 watts
SATCOM: up to 10 watts |
| Modes | analog voice, digital voice and data |
| Encryption | NSA Type 1 (up to Secret) |
Service history
editThe PRC-163 is in use by the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Navy,[4] Canadian Army[5] and the British Army.[6] The U.S. Army is set to purchase over 100,000 PRC-163 radios.[1]
Specifications
editSource:[7]
General
editFrequency Range:
- R/T (Receiver/Transmitter) 1: VHF low: 30-88 MHz, VHF high: 118-174 MHz UHF: 225-512 MHz SATCOM: 300-320, MHz UL / 360-380 MHz DL UHF SATCOM: 291-318.3 MHz UL / 243-270 MHz DL
- R/T 2: UHF: 225-450 MHz, L/S-band: 1300-2600 MHz
Modes:
- Voice: Narrowband analog/PCM AM/FM, CVSD ASK/FSK cipher text, Wideband 2400 bps MELPe, LPC/2400-MELP – SATCOM (IW)
- Data: Narrowband analog/PCM AM/FM, CVSD ASK/FSK cipher text, Wideband up to 16 Mbps
- Power Output: 250 mW to 5 W, 10 W SATCOM modes, 3.2 W L/S-band
- Encryption: Denali-based NSA Type 1 Suite A/B (Trust Anchor capable), AES-256
- Net Presets: 99 (standard); unlimited with multiple mission files
- GPS: Built-in module—SAASM L1/L2 or Commercial L1
- Programming: Front Panel Programmable (FPP), Windows PC-based Communications Planning Application (CPA) via USB connection.
Waveforms
edit- Channel 1 Standard Waveforms: VHF/UHF LOS, ANW2C, SINCGARS, P25 (Conventional)
- Channel 1 Optional Waveforms: SATURN, HPW, IW Phase 1/2, HAVEQUICK I/II, P25T Trunking (Low Band), SCM and e-BFT (DoD only)
- Channel 2 Standard Waveforms: ANW2C, UHF LOS, UHF SATCOM
- Channel 2 Optional Waveforms: TSM-X, L-TAC, Wraith
Interfaces
edit- Data: USB 2.0, IP over USB, Ethernet
- Audio: 19-pin ADF, 2-channel audio + KDU, USB 2.0, fill
- Antenna Ports: TNC female, 50Ω characteristic impedance
- Key Fill: DS-101 (via AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loader)
- External Mission Module: Power, data, control/status
Physical
edit- Dimensions: 6 H x 3 W x 2 D in (15.24 x 7.62 x 5.08 cm)
- Weight: (with battery) 2.75 lbs (1.25 kg)
- Color/Finish: CARC Green
Environmental
edit- Temperature Operating: -22 °F to 140 °F (-30 °C to +55 °C)
- Storage: -40 °F to 185 °F (-40 °C to +85 °C)
- Immersion: 20 meters
References
edit- ^ a b c Chakraborty, Aninda (2020-12-10). "US Army orders L3Harris Falcon IV AN/PRC-163 handheld radios". Army Technology. Retrieved 2023-10-27.
- ^ lroy (2018-11-08). "Harris AN/PRC-163 handheld radio attains NSA Type-1 certification". Army Technology. Retrieved 2023-10-27.
- ^ "L3Harris Receives Radio Production Orders Worth $235 Million Under US Army's HMS Contract | L3Harris Fast. Forward". www.l3harris.com. Retrieved 2023-10-27.
- ^ "US Navy, Air Force Award L3Harris Technologies Order for Two-Channel Handheld Tactical Radios Enabling Advanced Battle Management System | L3Harris Fast. Forward". www.l3harris.com. Retrieved 2023-10-27.
- ^ "Canada Becomes First International Customer for New L3Harris Compact Team Radio | L3Harris Fast. Forward". www.l3harris.com. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
- ^ White, Andrew (2022-12-06). "Taking lessons from Ukraine, British Army upgrades its radios". Breaking Defense. Retrieved 2023-10-27.
- ^ "AN/PRC-163 Multi-channel Handheld Radio" (PDF). L3Harris. Melbourne, FL: L3Harris Technologies, Inc.