AN/PRC-117G

AN/PRC-117G
Martin Moore, Allan Su, US Marine Corps · Public domain · source
Name	AN/PRC-117G
Caption	AN/PRC-117G manpack radio
Type	Tactical software-defined radio
Manufacturer	L3Harris Technologies
Frequency range	VHF/UHF/L-band/S-band
Mode	SINCGARS, VHF, UHF, SATCOM, MIL-STD-188

AN/PRC-117G is a tactical, multi-band, software-defined manpack radio manufactured by L3Harris Technologies deployed for secure voice, data, and satellite communications. It provides interoperable links among units, airborne platforms, naval vessels, and satellite terminals, supporting coalition operations and allied interoperability across NATO, CENTCOM, EUCOM, and PACOM theatres. The radio integrates legacy waveforms and modern networking capabilities to enable beyond-line-of-sight communications for expeditionary forces and special operations units.

Design and Features

The AN/PRC-117G architecture combines a software-defined radio core, modular transceiver front-ends, and embedded processing to support waveform portability and upgradeability across platforms such as the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, Boeing AH-64 Apache, General Dynamics LAV-25, and Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk. It implements cryptographic modules compatible with certifications from agencies like the National Security Agency and standards bodies such as NATO Standardization Office and Joint Chiefs of Staff. Antenna interfaces allow integration with systems fielded by manufacturers including Cobham plc, ViaSat, and Thales Group, and support for satellite constellations operated by providers like Inmarsat, Iridium, and Intelsat. Built-in waveforms include tactical standards adopted by organizations such as NATO and services like United States Army, United States Marine Corps, and United States Special Operations Command, enabling interoperability with legacy radios from vendors including Harris Corporation, Raytheon Technologies, and Rockwell Collins. The design emphasizes ruggedization to meet environmental and shock standards set by test centers like Aberdeen Proving Ground and certification authorities such as Underwriters Laboratories.

Operational History

Operational deployment began in theatres of sustained coalition activity including Iraq War, War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), and multinational exercises such as RIMPAC and Saber Strike. Units across commands including U.S. Central Command, U.S. European Command, and NATO Allied Command Operations used the system for combined-arms coordination during operations like Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The radio supported airborne operations involving squadrons from Royal Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force units, naval task groups centered on HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) and USS Wasp (LHD-1), and special operations missions coordinated by Joint Special Operations Command. Field reports from logistics hubs such as Camp Bastion, Al Asad Airbase, and Bagram Airfield documented integration with tactical data links used by coalition partners including French Armed Forces, German Bundeswehr, and Canadian Armed Forces.

Variants and Configurations

Manufacturers and integrators offered multiple configurations to suit use by organizations such as United States Army Signal Corps, British Army, French Army, and private contractors supporting NATO. Variants included vehicle-mounted packages for platforms like the M1 Abrams, mast-mounted systems for base stations at locations such as Camp Leatherneck, and airborne kits used by helicopters operated by Italian Army Aviation and Spanish Army Airmobile Force. Configurations with enhanced satellite modems and power amplifiers were marketed for maritime patrol with operators including Royal Navy and United States Navy, while compact batteries and shoulder straps supported dismounted infantry from units like 1st Infantry Division (United States), 3 Commando Brigade, and 7th Marines Regiment. Commodity options from suppliers such as Amphenol Corporation and TE Connectivity provided rugged connectors, while software packages allowed interoperability with command-and-control suites from Palantir Technologies and mapping tools by Esri.

Performance and Specifications

Typical performance metrics cite multi-band operation across VHF, UHF, L-band, and S-band with transmit power and receive sensitivity consistent with MIL-STD radio systems; interoperability supports waveforms such as SINCGARS, ANW2, and satellite protocols aligned with MIL-STD-188. Data rates vary by waveform and link—supporting low-rate tactical data, IP-based networking compatible with WIN-T and routed networks used by Defense Information Systems Agency, and higher-rate SATCOM links for bandwidth used in ISR feeds by platforms like the MQ-9 Reaper. Environmental and electromagnetic compatibility testing follows criteria used by MIL-STD-810 and MIL-STD-461; mean time between failures statistics were gathered during trials at facilities including White Sands Missile Range and Yuma Proving Ground. Power management supports vehicle power interfaces standardized by NATO Stanag conventions and battery systems comparable to models used by units in Operation Neptune Spear-type missions.

Deployment and Users

Primary users include armed forces and coalition partners such as the United States Army, United States Marine Corps, United States Navy, British Army, French Armed Forces, German Bundeswehr, Canadian Armed Forces, Australian Defence Force, and NATO headquarters elements. Contractors and support organizations operating the radios include L3Harris Technologies field service detachments, defense integrators like Leonardo S.p.A., and logistics firms engaged by agencies including Defense Logistics Agency and NATO Communications and Information Agency. Deployments span theaters overseen by commands such as USEUCOM, USCENTCOM, and USPACOM, with training and evaluation conducted at schools and centers including the United States Army Signal School, Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, and multinational exercises coordinated by Allied Rapid Reaction Corps.

Category:Tactical radios