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MF/HF/VHF manpack radio · BA-1302
Clansman
UK/PRC-319 was a military
manpack radio, introduced in 1985 by
Philips subsidary
MEL in Crawley (UK).
The radio was intended for use by the Special Forces (SF) of the UK,
the US, Australia and New Zealand.
It is known that 350 units were made for the British Special Forces.
The radio can be fitted with an
Electronic Message Unit (EMU)
for burst transmissions (ECCM).
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The image on the right shows the typical two keypads of a PRC-319
unit that has been taken out of its canvas back pack.
The keypad on the right is used to control the transceiver, whilst
the leftmost unit the removable EMU (see below).
The device operates on the HF bands from 1.5 to 40 MHz 1
in USB, CW and Data mode.
Transmit and receive frequency can be set independently,
allowing split-frequency (duplex) operation.
The maximum power output is selectable between 5W and 50W.
The ruggedized case is watertight and can be submerged in up to 6 feet
of water.
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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 an additional
antenna unit (the so-called TURF Extender) is required.
The PRC-319 went into production in 1985 or 1986 at
MEL (Mullard Equipment Ltd) in Crawley (UK).
In 1988 it was confirmed that the British Ministry of Defense had ordered the
radio for use by its Special Forces (SF).
MEL was a
Philips subsidary and was later sold
to Thales.
Support for MEL equipment has meanwhile been discontinued.
The base price for a unit was USD 21,000.
A number of UK/PRC-319 transceivers appeared on the European
surplus market around 2010.
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As the HF band officially runs from 3-30 MHz, the PRC-319 also covers
part of the MF
band (1.5-3 MHz) and the
VHF band (30-40 MHz).
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The PRC-319 was used with various short-burst message terminals,
also known as burst transmitters, to minimise the on-air time and reduced
the chance of interception and discovery. The following units are known
to have been used in combination with the PRC-319:
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BA-1304 Electronic Message Unit (EMU), fitted on the PRC-319 - EMU Alpha (alphanumerical version with crypto), fitted on the PRC-319
- Digital Message Handing Device (DMHD), used in the US
- CGT-1052 made by Cossor (UK)
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EMU
Electronic Message Unit BA-1304
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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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This is the alphanumeric alternative to the standard EMU (shown above).
It features an alphanumeric keyboard, a 2000 character message buffer
and built-in encryption.
The EMU Alpha fits into the same space as the standard EMU.
➤ More information
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For many years, the PRC-319 was standard issue for the SAS, 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,
written by SAS Sergeant Andy McNab (pseudonym), in which he gives
a detailed account of a (failed) infiltration mission in Iraq.
The book is based on a real mission in Iraq lead by McNab in January 1991.
The eight-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 and
Radio Direction Finding (RDF) by the enemy.
The team also carried four TACBE (Tactical Beacon)
units for emergency distress calls in case the PRC-319 got lost or damaged.
➤ Bravo Two Zero mission on Wikipedia
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Device Portable manpack military HF radio Purpose Special forces communication Designator PRC-319 Manufacturer MEL Years 1988-199? Country UK Frequency 1.5 - 40 MHz Modes USB, CW, FSK (data) Output 50W PEP (2-5W low power) Impedance 50Ω Range 20 km with rod antenna, ≤ 5000 km with long wire or dipole antenna Dimensions 380 x 228 x 100 mm (with TURF and battery) Weight 14.8 kg (with TURF, TUF ext. and battery) Unit price US$ 21,000 (1988)
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© Crypto Museum. Created: Wednesday 07 April 2010. Last changed: Friday, 10 May 2024 - 16:53 CET.
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