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Man pack radio BA-1302
The Clansman
PRC-319 was a ruggedized man pack radio
build by MEL
(Philips) in the late 1980s.
It was used for Special Operations by the UK, the US, Australia and New Zealand.
Only 350 units were built for use by the British Armed Forces.
Secure communication was possible by using an Electronic Message Unit
(EMU)
or a Digital Message Handling Device (DMHD).
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The image on the right shows a PRC-319 unit outside its canvas
back pack, with its typical two keypads.
The unit on the left is the EMU
and the rightmost keypad is used to control the transceiver.
The PRC-319 operates from 1.5 to 40 MHz in USB, CW and Data mode.
Transmitter and receiver frequency can be set independently,
allowing split-frequency (half-duplex) operation.
Maximum power output is selectable between 5W and 50W.
The ruggedized case is water tight up to 6 feet.
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The set is specified for a range of 20 km when using the whip antenna or
1000 km when using a wire antenna. An automatic antenna tuner (TURF) allows
most types of antennas to be used. For frequencies below 4 MHz and additonal
antenna unit (TURF Extender) is required.
The PRC-319 was built by MEL (Mullard Electronics Ltd) for the UK Ministry
of Defence (MOD) around 1988. MEL was a Philips subsidary and was later sold
to Thales. Support for MEL equipment has been discontinued.
The original base price for a PRC-319 was USD 21,000.
Additional information via the links below.
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EMU - Electronic Message Unit
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The PRC-319 was used by Special Forces and for Special Operation Tasks.
In situations where secure non-voice communication was required, the optional
BA-1304 Electronic Message Unit
(EMU)
was used. The EMU can be inserted into an empty slot on the body of the
radio, to the left of the main control unit.
 More information
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For many years, the PRC-319 was standard issue for the S.A.S., the British
Special Forces. It was used for behind-enemy-lines missions in Iraq during
the First Gulf War in 1991.
A good example of the use of a PRC-319 is given in the book Bravo Two Zero
by SAS Sergeant Andy McNab (pseudonym).
The book is based on a real mission in Iraq lead by McNab in January 1991.
The 8-member team had one PRC-319 radio for emergency use. It was equiped with
the EMU and had to be used in burst mode
(i.e. no voice calls) in order to avoid interception by the enemy and
Direction Finding (DF).
The team also carried four TACBE (Tactical Beacon)
units for emergency distress calls in case the PRC-319 got lost or damaged.
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© Copyright 2009-2011, Paul Reuvers & Marc Simons. Last changed: Sat,16 Jul 2011.20:01:32
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