Combat radio promises short-range, secure communication. (Tech Talk).

The Personal Role Radio (PRR), introduced by Television Equipment Associates, of Brewster, N.Y., provides soldiers with short-range, secure communication, according to Bill Pegler, president of TEA.

Using advanced wireless, local-area-network technology, which incorporates spread-spectrum

The radio is an integrated package, minimizing interconnecting cables and making it simple to use, Pegler said. Two variants of the push-to-talk switch assembly are provided for single or dual-radio operation. The headset is developed from in-service designs and is both rugged and flexible, being compatible with all standard military headgear, he explained.

A hands-free push-to-talk option is incorporated into the system, Pegler said. Operating on a UHF telemetry frequency, the encoded push-to-talk can operate the radio from a few meters away, giving users freedom to concentrate on other tasks.

The Personal Role Radio has been selected as the new short-range radio for British soldiers as part of the Bowman radio project, Pegler said.