AN/PRC-117G

AN/PRC-117G is a software-defined, multiband tactical radio system developed by General Dynamics as part of its Falcon III family. It is a key component of the United States Department of Defense's push for secure, networked communications, serving as a critical node in systems like the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS). The radio provides integrated satellite communication capabilities and is widely deployed by U.S. forces and allied nations for ground, vehicular, and airborne applications.

Overview

The AN/PRC-117G was designed to replace a multitude of legacy radios, consolidating functions into a single, versatile platform. It operates as a critical enabler for network-centric warfare, allowing seamless communication across different echelons of command. The system is integral to major U.S. military communication architectures, including the Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS) and the U.S. Navy's Mobile User Objective System (MUOS). Its development was heavily influenced by lessons learned during operations in Iraq and the War in Afghanistan, where reliable, beyond-line-of-sight communication was paramount.

Technical specifications

The radio covers a frequency range from 30 to 512 MHz in VHF/UHF bands and can be extended down to 1.6 MHz for HF communication with an add-on module. It supports a wide array of waveforms, including legacy modes like SINCGARS and Have Quick, and modern software-defined waveforms such as the Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW) and the Wideband Networking Waveform (WNW). It features embedded NSA-certified Type 1 encryption, including the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and the KG-175D TACLANE, for secure voice and data transmission. The unit can also access the U.S. Department of Defense's Global Positioning System (GPS) and is compatible with INMARSAT and Iridium satellite networks.

Operational history

The AN/PRC-117G entered service with the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps around 2007 and saw extensive use in subsequent conflicts. It was a foundational piece of equipment during the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission in Afghanistan, where its satellite capabilities provided reliable communication in mountainous terrain. The radio has been deployed in various major exercises, including Operation Bold Quest and Joint Warfighter Assessment, to validate its networking capabilities. Its performance in these environments directly informed the development of later systems within the Joint Tactical Radio System program and influenced the design of the U.S. Air Force's Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN).

Variants

Several variants and configurations of the system exist to meet different platform requirements. The AN/PRC-117G(C) is a specific configuration for the U.S. Marine Corps, while the AN/VRC-117G denotes a vehicular mounting variant. The AN/PRC-117G Multiband Networking Manpack Radio is often integrated with the Rifleman Radio (AN/PRC-154) to form tactical networks. For airborne applications, the system is adapted as the AN/ARC-117G. These variants share common core hardware and software, ensuring interoperability across the U.S. Department of Defense and with allied forces like the British Army and the Australian Defence Force.

Users

The primary operator is the United States Department of Defense, with widespread use across the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). It has been exported to numerous allied nations through the U.S. Department of State's Foreign Military Sales program. Key international users include the Canadian Armed Forces, the Australian Army, the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence, and members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) such as Germany and Italy. The system is also employed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Iraqi Security Forces.

Category:Military radio systems Category:General Dynamics Category:United States Army equipment