RADIO SET AN/PRC-64

The purpose of this evaluation was to assess the suitability of the AN/PRC-64 radio set for use in the high atmospheric noise level existing in the Republic of Vietnam (RVN) and for use by US Special Forces patrols in the counterinsurgency environment of the RVN. Two geographically different areas were chosen for the evaluation. Phase I was conducted in the Mekong Delta and phase II in the Central Highlands. The radios were used by US Special Forces 'A' detachments during patrol operations and at forward operational base stations in lieu of radio set AN/GRC109. Data were collected from personal observations, discussions with Special Forces advisors and signal officers, and operators' logs. The principal result of this evaluation was the determination that the AN/ PRC-64 radio set provides reliable continuous wave (CW) communication at distances between 60 and 500 kilometers. It provides reliable voice communication only at distances between 0 and 20 kilometers and then only in the Mekong Delta. The whisper capability of the radio set is reliable and just as effective as a normal voice transmission. User reaction to the AN/PRC-64 was excellent and they recommend its adoption for counterinsurgency operations.