Walkie talkies are portable, handheld devices that allow two-way radio communication over short distances. They are widely used by civilians for various purposes, such as recreation, business, or emergency. But what about the military? What walkie talkies do they use, and how are they different from civilian ones?
The military uses a variety of walkie talkies depending on the branch and specific mission. The military walkie talkies are also known as tactical radios, which are specially designed for combat and other operational situations. These devices are built to meet strict military specifications and standards, ensuring that they can withstand extreme temperatures, moisture, dust, and rugged terrain. They also have advanced features and functions that enhance the communication and security of the military personnel.
Some of the common features and functions of military walkie talkies are:
- Frequency hopping: This is a technique that allows the radio to switch between different frequencies in a random or predetermined pattern, to avoid jamming, interception, or detection by the enemy. Frequency hopping also increases the range and clarity of the communication, as it reduces the interference and noise from other sources.
- Encryption: This is a process that scrambles the radio signal using a secret code or algorithm, to prevent unauthorized access or eavesdropping by the enemy. Encryption also ensures the confidentiality and integrity of the communication, as it prevents the alteration or manipulation of the message.
- GPS: This is a feature that allows the radio to receive and transmit the location information of the user or the target, using the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites. GPS also enables the navigation and coordination of the military forces, as it provides the direction and distance to the destination or the enemy.
- Data transmission: This is a feature that allows the radio to send and receive data, such as text, images, or video, using the radio waves or the internet. Data transmission also enhances the situational awareness and intelligence of the military personnel, as it provides the real-time information and feedback of the battlefield or the enemy.
Some of the popular models of military walkie talkies are:
- AN/PRC-148: This is a multiband, multimode, and multifunctional radio that is used by the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. It operates in the frequency range of 30 MHz to 512 MHz, and supports various waveforms, such as SINCGARS, SATCOM, and TACSAT. It also has a GPS, a text messaging, and an encryption feature. It is one of the most widely used radios in the military, as it is compatible with many other radios and systems.
- AN/PRC-152: This is another multiband, multimode, and multifunctional radio that is used by the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. It operates in the frequency range of 30 MHz to 512 MHz, and supports various waveforms, such as SINCGARS, SATCOM, and TACSAT. It also has a GPS, a text messaging, and an encryption feature. It is similar to the AN/PRC-148, but has a larger display and a longer battery life.
- AN/PRC-117F: This is a multiband, multimode, and multifunctional radio that is used by the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. It operates in the frequency range of 30 MHz to 2 GHz, and supports various waveforms, such as SINCGARS, SATCOM, TACSAT, and HAVEQUICK. It also has a GPS, a data transmission, and an encryption feature. It is one of the most advanced radios in the military, as it can provide high-speed and high-capacity communication.
- AN/PRC-138: This is a single-band, single-mode, and single-function radio that is used by the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. It operates in the frequency range of 1.6 MHz to 60 MHz, and supports only the HF waveform. It also has a frequency hopping and an encryption feature. It is one of the most reliable radios in the military, as it can provide long-range and low-power communication.
- AN/PRC-150: This is a single-band, single-mode, and single-function radio that is used by the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. It operates in the frequency range of 1.6 MHz to 60 MHz, and supports only the HF waveform. It also has a frequency hopping and an encryption feature. It is similar to the AN/PRC-138, but has a larger display and a longer battery life.
These are some of the walkie talkies that the military uses, but they are not the only ones. There are many other models and types of radios that the military uses, depending on the situation and the requirement. The military radios are constantly evolving and improving, as the technology and the threats change.
I hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new about walkie talkies and the military. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading!