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Clansman
From ARRSEpedia
The current in service Voice Radio system for the British Army. To be replaced by Bowman in 2065.
Brought into service between 1980 and 1983 (approx) and was a massive leap forward in technology replacing the former Larkspur system which was based on valve technology. Covered the spectrum to give communications over HF, VHF and UHF. Allowed both Clear and Secure Voice and Data, with HF variants also being used for CW if required.
Two main types of variants were Manpack radios and the larger, higher powered Vehicle equipments.
Most ancillaries were adaptable between systems. A complex remote system was also produced to allow Armoured vehicles to have both crew and passenger communications between themselves and live on the main radio nets.
The system actually worked when first brought into service but is now flagging due to age.
- PRC 320 HF Manpack
- PRC 344 UHF Ground to Air Manpack
- PRC 349 VHF Manpack Otherwise known as Radio, Range Less Than Shouting Distance
- PRC 350 VHF Manpack
- PRC 351 VHF Manpack
- PRC 352 VHF (Amplified) Manpack
- VRC 321 HF
- VRC 322 (Amplified) HF
- VRC 353 VHF
What the names mean:-
- PRC - Personal Radio Communications
- VRC - Vehicle Radio Communications
- The first number, a 3 denotes a military field radio
- The second number denotes the frequency band (except the 349 which was an additional radio out of series) 2= HF, 3 = VHF and 4 = UHF.
- The last number denotes the number of the radio in the series.
