AN/PRC-117

The AN/PRC-117 translates to "Army/Navy, Portable, Radio, Communication". It is a man-portable, tactical software-defined combat-net radio, manufactured by Harris Corporation (now L3Harris), in two different versions:

• AN/PRC-117F Falcon II MBMMR^[1] (Multiband Multimission Manpack Radio), also referred to as AN/PRC-117F-MP, covering the 30-512 MHz frequency range, provided without an internal GPS (optionally an external commercial GPS can be connected, or a GPS SAASM as a PLGR (Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver) or a DAGR (Defense Advanced GPS Receiver);^[2]
• AN/PRC-117G Falcon III MNMR^[3] (Multiband Networking Manpack Radio), also referred to as AN/PRC-117G-MP, covering the 30-2000 MHz frequency range, and provided with internal SAASM GPS (optionally an external commercial GPS can be connected).^[4]

AN/PRC-117G manpack radio

Both radios have NSA certification for the transmission of voice and data traffic up to the Top Secret level.^[5]

The designation AN/PRC signifies "Army Navy / Portable Radio Communications" and is based on the Joint Electronics Type Designation System guidelines. The radios are also provided in a vehicular configuration under the AN/VRC-103 nomenclature.

The AN/PRC-117 series is notable for its software-defined architecture, which allows for ongoing upgrades and adaptability to evolving mission requirements. Fully compliant with the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) standards, the radio supports multiband and multimission operations across a wide frequency range. The AN/PRC-117G variant is 30% smaller and 35% lighter than the previous models in its class, enhancing portability for dismounted operations. It features Type-1 and NINE Suite B encryption, enabling secure interoperability with US, NATO, and coalition partners. Its removable Keypad Display Unit (KDU) facilitates operation while the radio is stowed, making it effective for on-the-move communication.

The AN/PRC-117 can also be deployed in a vehicular configuration under the AN/VRC-103 designation, with mounting systems and integrated communication cases such as the ABP-ITPC-4G-152-250 supporting multi-transceiver setups. The radios are engineered to endure harsh environmental conditions, including shock, vibration, and water immersion. The AN/PRC-117G is MUOS-ready, enabling Beyond-Line-of-Sight (BLOS) satellite communications, and the AN/PRC-117F(C)-HQ includes ground-to-air capabilities with HAVEQUICK I/II support. Multiple power options - AC, DC, and battery - enhance operational flexibility across various mission environments.

Users

A PRC-117 radio and SATCOM antenna

The AN/PRC-117F/G radio is currently in use with the United States Navy Seabee and EOD teams in their MRAP and JERRV vehicles.^[2] The radio is also in use by the United States Marine Corps,^[6] United States Army,^[7] USSOCOM,^[8] United States Coast Guard, United States Air Force,^[9] Royal Air Force,^[10] Dutch Army, Spanish Air Force, British Army, Norwegian Armed Forces, Danish Army, Croatian Army^[11] Canadian Armed Forces and German Armed Forces.^[12]

The radio is part of an Over-the-horizon Satellite Communications and Improved Dual Command and Control Console system recognized by the US Army as a Top 10 Invention in 2005.^[13]

The radio has also been embedded in remote mine hunting systems for the US Navy.^[14]

Specifications

AN/PRC-117F

AN/PRC-117G in the National Cryptologic Museum

General

• Frequency Range: 30 MHz to 2 GHz
• Presets: 100 (110 including DAMA)
• Transmission Modes: FM, AM, PSK, CPM
• Tuning Resolution: 10 Hz
• Model: RT-1796 (P)(C)/U

Transmitter

• Output Power: 1 W to 20 W
• Harmonic Suppression: –40 dBc
• Frequency Stability: +/- 1.0 ppm

Receiver

• FM Sensitivity -118 dBm (10 dB SINAD)
• Adjacent Channel Rejection 60 dB

Interoperability

• Fill devices: AN/CYZ-10 DTD, AN/PYQ-10 SKL (Supports DS-101, DS-102 and Mode 2/3)
• Crypto Modes KY-57, ANDVT/KYV-5, KG-84C, FASCINATOR
• Radios
  • AN/PRC-152
  • AN/PRC-148
  • AN/PRC-119A/B/G
  • AN/PRC-113
  • AN/PRC-77
  • AN/PSC-5
  • Other versions of the AN/PRC-117

Interfaces

• External Data: RS-232, MIL-STD-188-114A
• Remote control: RS-232, RS-422
• Antenna ports: Separate VHF, VHF-HI/UHF
• Audio: Six-pin Standard
• Power: Two BA-5590, BB-390A/U, BB-2590, or BB-590 batteries^[15]

Physical Dimensions

• AN/PRC-117G
  • 3.7H x 7.4W x 8.8D in. (w/o battery case)
  • Weight 8.2 lbs (without batteries)
    • 12 lbs with batteries^[16]

Environmental

• Temperature: -40 °C to 70 °C
• Immersion: 1 Meter
• Test Method: MIL-STD-810E
• Finish: CARC Green

Key Features

• Removable keypad display unit
• Full numeric keypad
• NVG compatible display
• External GPS - DAGR, PLGR, and NMEA 0183 compatible
• MELP

Waveforms

Line of Sight

• VHF/UHF AM/FM
• SINCGARS ECCM
• HAVE QUICK II ECCM
• ANW2 - Advanced Networking Wideband Waveform (Harris)
• SRW Soldier Radio Waveform ^[16]
• NATO SATURN waveform, per NATO STANAG 4372 - optional ^[16]

SATCOM

• MIL-STD-188-181-B/C
• MIL-STD-188-182-A
• MIL-STD-188-183-A/B
• Integrated Waveform (IW)
• High performance waveform (HPW) optional
• Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) - optional^[16]

See also

• Electronics portal

• AN/PRC-152
• AN/PRC-150
• AN/PRC-148
• AN/PRC-119
• AN/PRC-113
• List of military electronics of the United States
• Joint Electronics Type Designation System – Unclassified designation system for United States military electronic equipment