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Chapter 4

Combat Net Radio

4-1. Overview

CNR refers to the family of both single-channel and frequency hopping (FH) radios which are organic to many types of units. In maneuver battalions, CNR is their primary means of communications.

The Army uses several types of single-channel radios which operate in different frequencies across the RF spectrum as shown in Figure 4-1.

Figure 4-1. RF spectrum.

The Army uses the following single-channel radios--

• FM Radio. Its range is about 35 to 40 kilometers which covers a brigade/battalion maneuver area. FM radio transmissions are normally LOS which large terrain features can block. FM radios can also transmit data.

• HF Radio. HF radio's longer range overcomes terrain limitations for users with greater dispersion. Using the improved high frequency radio (IHFR) provides a versatile capability for short- and long-range communications. HF is the only tactical communications asset that may achieve long-range communications independent of terrestrial or satellite relays. HF communications may be either voice or secure data. HF is also useful where LOS cannot be achieved. The capabilities of the single-channel radio make it flexible, securable, mobile, and reliable. However, the radio is the most detectable means of electronic communications and is subject to intentional and unintentional electronic interference. Good ECCM and remoting techniques are highly recommended.

• TACSAT Radio. The use of satellite communications gives the commander the greatest range. It is useful to users separated by long distances, such as rapid deployment forces and special operations units. The single channel TACSAT radio transmits in the UHF/VHF range which requires the antenna to have LOS with the satellite.

Satellite access time must be requested in advance. This radio has a narrow and wide bandwidth and can transmit data.

These radios are used in functional networks such as command, administrative/logistical, fire support, and intelligence nets.

CNR's primary role is voice transmission for battle command. The CNR network can assume a secondary role for data transmission when needed. Voice C2 takes priority over data in most networks. The family of CNRs includes--

• AN/VRC-12 series.
  
• SINCGARS.
  
• IHFR.
  
• Single-channel TACSAT.
  

4-2. AN/VRC-12 Series Radios

AN/VRC-12 series radios are short-range, vehicular, aircraft, and fixed-station mounted units. They provide FM radio communications with NRI and retransmission capabilities. The radios also can be used with speech security or digital data equipment. Table 4-1 shows the technical specifications of the AN/VRC-12 series radios.

Note: The AN/VRC-12 series radios are being replaced by SINCGARS, discussed in paragrah 4-3 of this chapter.

Table 4-1. AN/VRC-12 technical specifications.

The AN/VRC-12 series radio sets are designed around two types of RTs: the RT-246 and the RT-524. The RTs are combined with other components to form eight different configurations. The other components are the radio receiver, R-442; the secure retransmission set, C-10374; the antenna, AS-1729; and an auxiliary antenna. Table 4-2 shows the various radio configurations.

Table 4-2. Radio configurations.

Continue with Chapter 4
Table of Contents
Index