prc396

The PRC-396 is a portable, manpack radio transceiver developed and manufactured by the British company Pye Telecom, later acquired by Philips. It was widely used by the British Army and other Commonwealth forces, particularly during the latter half of the 20th century. The PRC-396 is a tactical radio designed for short-to-medium range voice communication in a battlefield environment.

This radio operates in the VHF frequency band, typically between 30 and 80 MHz. It offers a selection of pre-set channels, allowing for rapid deployment and ease of use by soldiers. Power is usually supplied by rechargeable battery packs, which are integrated into the manpack design. The PRC-396 is known for its rugged construction, built to withstand the harsh conditions encountered in military operations.

The typical configuration of the PRC-396 includes the main transceiver unit, an antenna (often a whip or long wire type), and a handset or headset for communication. It employs frequency modulation (FM) for voice transmission. Its reliability and relatively simple operation made it a staple in military communications for many years, contributing to its widespread adoption and longevity in service.