13 September 2019

DSEI 2019: Barrett PRC-4090 HF software-defined radio breaks cover

by Giles Ebbutt

Australia’s Barrett Communications launched its new PRC-4090 tactical high frequency (HF) software-defined radio (SDR) at the 2019 Defence and Security Equipment International exhibition (DSEI 2019) held in London from 10 to 13 September.

Leveraging technology developed for Barrett’s commercial PRC-4050, the new radio can be used in three configurations: manpack, mobile (vehicle-borne), or as a base station, with selectable power outputs of 10, 30, 125, and 150 watts. The radio, which is constructed of a light-weight alloy, weighs 2.95 kg and measures 241×53×331 mm.

It offers 1,000 channels with a frequency resolution of 1 Hz, and 2G and 3G automatic link establishment (ALE). Options include frequency hopping at 5 or 25 hops per second, digital voice, and AES 256 and DES 56 encryption. A Barrett representative said that the non-ITAR DES 56 is useful for the wider export market.

The Barrett PRC-4090 as shown at DSEI 2019 in the manpack configuration. The transceiver is mounted above the battery pack, with the control handset to the right. (Giles Ebbutt)

For the manpack role, Barrett has developed a 2.05 kg 16Ah Li-ion battery that fits on the side of the radio, with the same profile. With a consumption of 250MA, in the receive-only mode the transceiver can operate for up to 64 hours, and with a 1:9 receive/transmit ratio it has a life of 21 hours. The battery incorporates an embedded charging system for recharging from a 24V DC source. It can also be connected to an additional battery. Alternatively, the radio can be used with a non-rechargeable battery pack.

Australia’s Barrett Communications launched its new PRC-4090 tactical high frequency (HF) software-d...

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