AN/ARC-182

The AN/ARC-182 is a family of military aircraft radio transceivers designed for two-way, multi-mode voice communications over a 30 to 400 MHz frequency range. It covers both Ultra High Frequency (UHF) and Very High Frequency (VHF) bands with AM, FM, as appropriate. The ARC-182 radio supports the HAVE QUICK II anti-jam waveforms, with an optional control unit. It features a guard channel capability for monitoring 40.5, 121.5, 156.8 and 243 MHz. Transmitter minimum power is 10 watts, AM, and 15 watts, FM. The RT-1250A model radio can communicate with other avionics over a MIL-STD-1553 data bus.[1]

Developed in the late 1970s, the ARC-182s were manufactured by Rockwell Collins and are installed in a range of U.S. Navy, Marines and Coast Guard aircraft. Its frequency range includes the following bands:[2]

  • VHF 30-88 MHz FM close air support
  • VHF 108-118 MHz AM navigation, receive only
  • VHF 118-156 MHz AM air traffic control
  • VHF 156-174 MHz FM maritime
  • UHF 225-400 MHz AM/FM military/NATO

A single ARC-182 radio allowed pilots to communicate with ground forces for close air support, civilian air traffic control and military UHF-AM users, a unique capability at the time. The ARC-182 (V) version added the ability to communicate with commercial shipping and UHF-FM systems.[3][4][5] The -182(V) version added VHF-FM maritime and UHF-FM capabilities. The radio's utility has attracted international attention; the set is being used in 35 countries.

Channel spacing is 25 kHz in all bands.

The transceiver weights about 10 lb (4.54 kg). Available accessories include remote controls, transmit power amplifiers, antennas, and ground support equipment.[6] It has been largely replaced by the AN/ARC-210 series in U.S. systems.[7] The ARC-210 is an improved version of the ARC-182, adding jam-reisistant SINCGARS capability to communicate with Army radios for close air support.[8]

The ARC-182 was used in over 40 different U.S. fixed wing and rotary aircraft, as well as in ground, transportable and mobile applications, and was in service in 42 countries.[9] Starting in 1994, the ARC-182, along with the UHF-only ARC-187, was used to upgrade the U.S. Navy's fleet of Lockheed P-3 Orions to add satellite and HaveQuick capabilities and to meet newer civilian air traffic control requirements.

See also

References

  1. ^ "An/Arc-182(V) technical data sheet". Rockwell Collins.
  2. ^ Dixon, Robert (27 August 1998). Radio Receiver Design. CRC Press/Marcel Dekker, Inc. ISBN 9780824701611. Retrieved 30 August 2022.
  3. ^ Stephen M. Hardy; Martin Streetly (July 1992). "Hopping on the anti-jam bandwagon". Journal of Electronic Defense. 15 (7). Horizon House Publications. The -182 was unique in that it enabled pilots to communicate in the VHF-FM close air support, VHF-AM air traffic control and UHF-AM military frequency ranges through a single radio.
  4. ^ "AN/ARC-182/187". GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved August 29, 2022.
  5. ^ Mallett, Mark (1982). "Duet With A Hangman (Approach, Volume 28, 1982)". Naval Safety Center. Retrieved 30 August 2022.
  6. ^ Navy Training System Plan for the AN/ARC-182(V) Radio Set, N88-NTSP-A-50-8115D/A, March 2000
  7. ^ Brent M. Bennitt (Nov–Dec 1995). "Revolution in strike warfare". Naval Aviation News. 78 (1). The AN/ARC-210(V) EP Radio, a Navy-led, tri-service program, is planned to replace the AN/ARC-182(V) radio
  8. ^ Philip J. Klass (June 4, 1990). "Two New Jam-Resistant Sicgars Radios Readied for Flight Tests". Aviation Week. pp. 79–81. Collins new ARC-210 UHF/VHF radio … is an improved version of the company's ARC-182. The new radio is designed to add Sincgars capability to communicate with the Army for close air support, as well as Have Quick-2 for Air Force compatibility.
  9. ^ "AN/ARC-182 VHF/UHF AM/FM Transceiver". GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved August 29, 2022.