AN/PRC-117G Technical Manual⁚ A Comprehensive Guide
This manual serves as a comprehensive guide to the AN/PRC-117G Multiband Manpack Radio, providing detailed information on its capabilities, technical specifications, operational modes, installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
Introduction
The AN/PRC-117G Multiband Manpack Radio, developed by L3Harris Technologies, represents a significant advancement in tactical communications. This manual aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the radio’s capabilities, technical specifications, and operational procedures. It serves as a valuable resource for operators, technicians, and other personnel involved in deploying and maintaining the AN/PRC-117G.
Overview of the AN/PRC-117G
The AN/PRC-117G is a state-of-the-art, software-defined multiband manpack radio designed for secure and reliable tactical communications. It combines advanced wideband data capabilities with legacy narrowband performance, enabling seamless integration into existing communication networks. Its compact size and lightweight design make it ideal for deployment in a variety of challenging environments. The AN/PRC-117G’s innovative features and capabilities have revolutionized tactical communications, providing users with unparalleled versatility and operational efficiency.
Key Features and Capabilities
The AN/PRC-117G boasts a range of groundbreaking features and capabilities, setting it apart from previous generation radios. This includes its high-speed wideband data transmission, ensuring rapid and reliable information transfer. The radio is also equipped with MUOS-ready hardware, enabling Beyond-Line-Of-Sight (BLOS) communications for expanded coverage. Furthermore, its robust NINE Suite B encryption ensures secure communication channels, safeguarding sensitive information. The AN/PRC-117G’s combination of advanced technology and security features makes it an indispensable asset for modern military operations.
Wideband Data Speed and Legacy Narrowband Performance
The AN/PRC-117G radio is a testament to modern communication technology, seamlessly integrating high-speed wideband data transmission with legacy narrowband performance. This dual capability empowers users to efficiently transmit large volumes of data, while maintaining compatibility with existing narrowband systems. Whether it’s mission-critical tactical data or routine communication, the AN/PRC-117G ensures reliable connectivity across various bandwidths, maximizing operational flexibility and responsiveness.
MUOS-Ready Hardware
The AN/PRC-117G is equipped with MUOS-ready hardware, enabling it to seamlessly integrate with the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite constellation. This integration expands the radio’s communication range beyond line-of-sight, providing reliable and secure connectivity even in challenging environments. The MUOS-ready hardware facilitates high-quality voice and data transmission, ensuring crucial information can be relayed effectively and efficiently, regardless of geographical limitations.
NINE Suite B Encryption
The AN/PRC-117G incorporates the industry’s first and only tactical radio with NINE Suite B encryption, a robust security feature that ensures secure and confidential communication. This advanced encryption technology safeguards sensitive information, protecting it from unauthorized access and ensuring the integrity of data transmissions. The NINE Suite B encryption enables sovereign nations to confidently engage in secure interoperability with allied forces, fostering trust and collaboration in critical operations.
Technical Specifications
The AN/PRC-117G boasts a wide range of technical specifications, ensuring its versatility and effectiveness across various operational environments. The radio operates within a continuous frequency range spanning from 30.0000 MHz to 1999.9950 MHz, supporting a diverse set of waveforms, including AM, FM, and various data waveforms. The AN/PRC-117G’s compact size and lightweight design, weighing in at 35% lighter than other manpack radios, make it highly portable and convenient for field deployment. The radio’s rugged construction ensures its resilience against harsh conditions, ensuring reliable performance even in demanding environments.
Frequency Range
The AN/PRC-117G operates across a broad frequency spectrum, ensuring its compatibility with a wide array of communication systems and applications; The radio’s continuous frequency range extends from 30.0000 MHz to 1999.9950 MHz, encompassing both VHF and UHF bands. This extensive frequency coverage allows for flexible communication options, supporting both line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communications, including satellite communications.
Supported Waveforms
The AN/PRC-117G is a versatile radio capable of supporting a wide range of waveforms, catering to diverse communication needs. It supports both legacy narrowband and modern wideband data waveforms, ensuring compatibility with a variety of existing and emerging systems. The radio’s waveform support includes AM, FM, and various data waveforms, providing flexibility for voice, data, and multimedia communications. Specific details regarding the supported waveforms and their capabilities can be found in the AN/PRC-117G Operation Manual (10515-0319-4200).
Size and Weight
The AN/PRC-117G is designed for portability and ease of deployment. It features a compact and lightweight design, making it suitable for use in various tactical scenarios. Compared to other multiband manpack radios currently in the field, the AN/PRC-117G is 30% smaller and 35% lighter, significantly reducing the burden on operators. This reduction in size and weight enhances operator mobility and endurance, enabling them to carry and operate the radio for extended periods without fatigue.
Operational Modes
The AN/PRC-117G offers a wide range of operational modes to support diverse communication requirements. These modes include VHF/UHF Line-of-Sight (VULOS) for short-range, direct communication; SINCGARS for secure, interoperable communication with other compatible radios; HQ Frequency Hopping for secure communication in challenging environments; SATCOM (Satellite Communications) for extended-range communication via satellite; Scan List for monitoring multiple frequencies simultaneously; Beacon Mode for transmitting a continuous signal for location awareness; ANW2 for secure data transmission; OTAR for over-the-air reprogramming; and DAMA for demand-assigned multiple access, enabling efficient use of available bandwidth.
VULOS (VHF/UHF Line-of-Sight)
VULOS (VHF/UHF Line-of-Sight) mode enables direct, short-range communication between two or more radios within visual range. It utilizes fixed frequency FM/AM transmissions in the VHF and UHF bands, providing reliable voice and data communication for tactical operations. VULOS mode is ideal for situations where direct communication is required, such as coordinating troop movements, providing situational updates, or establishing temporary command and control links.
SINCGARS
The AN/PRC-117G supports SINCGARS (Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System) operation, providing secure, reliable communication within the NATO forces. SINCGARS utilizes a specific set of waveforms and protocols for secure voice and data transmission, ensuring interoperability with other SINCGARS-equipped radios. This mode is crucial for coordinating tactical operations, sharing intelligence, and maintaining secure communication within multinational military deployments.
HQ Frequency Hopping
The AN/PRC-117G incorporates a sophisticated HQ Frequency Hopping (HFH) mode, designed to enhance communication security and resilience. This mode involves rapidly changing the operating frequency of the radio within a designated band, making it extremely difficult for adversaries to intercept or disrupt communications. HFH significantly reduces the risk of jamming and eavesdropping, ensuring reliable and secure communication in challenging environments.
SATCOM (Satellite Communications)
The AN/PRC-117G features advanced SATCOM capabilities, enabling secure and reliable communication beyond line-of-sight (BLOS). The radio supports various satellite communication systems, including the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS), providing extended range and coverage for critical missions. The integration of SATCOM technology allows for simultaneous voice and data transmission, facilitating efficient and reliable communication across vast distances, even in remote or geographically challenging areas.
Scan List
The AN/PRC-117G incorporates a scan list feature, allowing users to quickly search and monitor a range of frequencies for active signals. This functionality enhances situational awareness and facilitates rapid communication establishment. The scan list can be programmed with specific frequencies or channels, enabling users to efficiently identify and monitor potential communication opportunities. This feature significantly improves communication efficiency and effectiveness by facilitating rapid channel identification and selection, particularly in dynamic or challenging environments.
Beacon Mode
The AN/PRC-117G supports a dedicated Beacon Mode, enabling the radio to transmit periodic signals at a pre-defined frequency. These signals act as a virtual “homing beacon,” allowing other radios to locate and establish communication with the beaconing unit. This mode is particularly valuable in situations where maintaining communication is crucial but direct contact is challenging. Beacon signals can assist in establishing communication links, guiding search and rescue operations, or providing a constant presence in remote or isolated locations.
ANW2
The AN/PRC-117G supports the ANW2 waveform, a specialized data communication protocol designed for high-speed, secure data transfer in tactical environments. ANW2 enables rapid exchange of large data files, such as imagery, maps, and intelligence reports, over secure radio links. Its robust error correction capabilities ensure reliable data transmission even in challenging signal conditions. This feature is crucial for modern military operations, allowing rapid dissemination of critical information and enhancing situational awareness for deployed units.
OTAR
The AN/PRC-117G incorporates Over-The-Air Rekeying (OTAR) functionality, a vital security feature for modern tactical communications. OTAR enables secure key management and distribution without the need for physical contact between radios. This eliminates the risks associated with traditional key distribution methods, enhancing operational security and reducing vulnerability to interception. OTAR allows for dynamic key updates in the field, ensuring continuous protection against evolving threats and maintaining the integrity of sensitive communications.
DAMA
The AN/PRC-117G supports Demand Assigned Multiple Access (DAMA), a sophisticated access method for satellite communications. DAMA allows multiple users to share a satellite channel efficiently, optimizing bandwidth usage. When a user requires communication, a request is sent to the DAMA controller, which allocates a portion of the satellite bandwidth for the duration of the call. Once the call is complete, the bandwidth is released for other users. This dynamic allocation ensures efficient bandwidth utilization and improves overall network performance.
Installation and Setup
The AN/PRC-117G is designed for ease of installation and setup. The radio can be mounted using a shock mount, providing protection against vibrations and shocks, making it suitable for various environments. The shock mount is designed to isolate the radio from external forces, ensuring its stability and operational integrity. Additionally, the RF-5870-VM001 kit is available for securing the radio to the shock mount, preventing unauthorized removal and enhancing security.
Shock Mount
The AN/PRC-117G is designed for rugged environments and can be installed using a shock mount, providing protection against vibrations and shocks. This shock mount allows installation of the radio in various applications, including vehicular, shelter, or other scenarios requiring shock isolation. The mount adjusts to accommodate the battery box and the manpack, ensuring secure installation and optimal performance in challenging conditions.
RF-5870-VM001
The RF-5870-VM001 is a specialized kit designed to enhance the security and management of the AN/PRC-117G radio. This kit attaches to the shock mount, effectively preventing unauthorized removal of the radio from its mounting position. The RF-5870-VM001 contributes to the overall security of the AN/PRC-117G by providing a robust physical deterrent against theft or unauthorized access, ensuring the radio remains protected and operational in critical situations.
Troubleshooting and Maintenance
This section provides comprehensive guidance on troubleshooting and maintaining the AN/PRC-117G radio to ensure optimal performance and longevity. It covers common issues, diagnostic procedures, and preventative maintenance practices. Detailed information on troubleshooting specific malfunctions, including error codes, symptoms, and potential causes, is included. Additionally, the manual outlines recommended maintenance schedules, cleaning procedures, and proper handling techniques to maximize the radio’s operational lifespan and minimize the risk of damage or failure.
The AN/PRC-117G Multiband Manpack Radio represents a significant advancement in tactical communications, offering a robust and versatile solution for modern military operations; Its wideband data speeds, legacy narrowband performance, and advanced encryption capabilities ensure secure and reliable communication in various environments. This technical manual provides a comprehensive resource for understanding and utilizing the AN/PRC-117G effectively, enabling users to optimize its capabilities and maintain its operational integrity for mission success.