AN:VRC-100: Advanced HF Ground/Vehicular Communications System

The AN/VRC-100 products are available on General Services Administration (GSA). Contract No. GS-35F-5926H to all U.S. Federal Agencies.

The Rockwell Collins AN/VRC-100 is an easy-to-operate, multifunctional, fully digital signal processing (DSP) high frequency radio intended for a variety of ground or mobile applications. The AN/VRC-100 is a fully integrated "Plug and Play" multi-mode voice or data communications system configured in a portable case.

The AN/VRC-100 is ideally suited to support ARC-220 equipped aviation assets, as it has the identical capabilities as the ARC-220 HF radio system. The VRC-100 is intended for use in Tactical Operations Center, Air Traffic Control, and vehicular applications such as the High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV). It is built from the Rockwell Collins successful AN/ARC-220 airborne communications LRU’s, a power supply, and an audio interface, all packaged in a metallic case.

The VRC-100’s rugged operability allows substantial distance communications beyond line of sight by providing users an ability to maintain contact during short, mid, and long range operations.

In addition to offering enhanced voice communications capabilities, the AN/VRC-100 is an advanced data communications system capable of providing reliable digital connectivity. At the ground communications site, the AN/VRC-100 is routinely used in conjunction with the US Army’s HF Tracker™ PC software to provide situation awareness to the Aviation commander. HF Tracker displays received aircraft position reports on a FalconView™ digital map, and it also provides a user friendly text messaging interface to the radio.

The AN/VRC-100 allows communications on any one of 280,000 frequencies in the High Frequency (HF) band from 2.0000 to 29.9999 MHz. Upper Sideband (USB) voice/data, Lower Sideband (LSB) voice/data, Amplitude Modulation Equivalent (AME), and Continuous Wave (CW) emission modes are provided. Communication is possible using either simplex or half-duplex operation. The AN/ARC-100 also includes an integrated data modem which enables digital data communication in noisy environments where voice communications are often not possible. The AN/VRC-100 was specifically designed for use with external COMSEC equipment, such as the KY-100 or DVP-200, to allow for seamless secure digital voice and data operation. GPS position reports, text messages, and binary messages may be secured. Up to 25 free text data messages can be pre-programmed via data fill or created/edited in real time. Received data messages may be viewed from the VRC-100 display unit and can be stored for later viewing and retransmission if desired. Built-in integration with external GPS units, such as DAGR or PLGR, allows position data reports to be sent with the push of a button. With the AN/VRC-100(V)4, Position Reports can automatically be transmitted at specified time intervals. The AN/VRC-100(V)4 also provides the capability to transmit binary messages up to 4kb each. Long-range wireless E-mail and Internet connectivity is possible when used in conjunction with Rockwell Collins HF Messenger™ software.

In addition to conventional HF communications, the AN/ARC-220 provides MIL-STD-188-141B Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) capability. ALE makes HF radio operation easier and is like using a telephone to place calls. The radio operator chooses a station address and begins a call. DSP circuits produce ALE signals to automatically establish a communication link. ALE maintains a database of channel signal conditions and automatically establishes a 2-way communication link on the best available frequency. After establishing a link, the operator is alerted and communication can begin. ALE Linking Protection (LP) is also provided which prevents unauthorized link establishment and ALE jamming. The AN/ARC-220 is also the first radio to be fielded featuring MIL-STD-188-141B Appendix A Alternative Quick Call (AQC) ALE. This advanced protocol/waveform reduces ALE over-the-air call time by up to 50% over conventional 2nd generation ALE. This results in significantly reduced ALE network sounding and linking overhead which greatly increases HF channel availability and capacity.

Electronic Counter Counter Measures (ECCM) is a frequency hopping method used to combat the effects of communication jammers and direction finding attempts. The AN/VRC-100(V)1 provides ECCM in accordance with MIL-STD-188-148A. The VRC-100 also supports the modem requirements necessary for the MIL-STD-188-110B, MIL-STD 188-148A ECCM, and MIL-STD-188-148 with MIL-STD-188-110 digital message protocols.

Datafill may be provided by any of the following: a DS-101D interface (supporting the AN/CYZ-10, Simple Key Loader, or Rockwell Collins Handheld Data Device), an EIA-232 interface (Rockwell’s HF-CPS™ or ARC-220 HF-CPS mission planning software), or a MIL-STD-1553 interface. This allows mission data (e.g., frequencies, scan lists, hop sets, pre-stored messages) to be loaded into the system with a minimum of effort, allowing the operator to quickly reinitialize the VRC-100 for rapidly changing situations. Keyfill for TRANSEC is performed using a separate DS-101D port. The VRC-100 main control software resides in the RT-1749 and is re-programmable, facilitating convenient software field upgrades. Receiver Transmitter OFP software updates can be made via the MIL-STD-1553B bus.

The AN/VRC-100 ground radio uses the AN/ARC-220 airborne Receiver/Transmitter (R/T), Power Amplifier/Coupler (PA/Coupler) and Radio Set Control (RSC) LRU’s without modification. Its metal case, with removable top, provides easy access for removal of the LRU’s. All controls and radio I/O, with the exception of the RF output, are located on the front panel. The AN/VRC-100 case is constructed of 0.090 inch aluminum, with primary structural support provided by side rails within the case which are also used as hold down points. Internal brackets and welded corners provide added rigidity. When hard mounted, the AN/VRC-100 meets vibration requirements for HMMWV ground mobile wheeled vehicles as well as shock requirements for paved roads and Parryman 3 cross-country terrain when tested in accordance with MIL-STD-810E, Method 514.4. Holes in the AN/VRC-100 are provided for drainage.

The AN/VRC-100 provides audio data port and a front-panel speaker for receive audio signals, and it provides the capability for H-250 Handset operation.

The system may be powered from 24 VDC vehicular power IAW MIL-STD-1275 or from a 115 or 220 VAC 50/60 Hz power source. The system 24 VDC power is brought out to a front panel connector for powering accessory equipment. Three 15 foot power cords (one DC, one 115 VAC, and one 220 VAC) are provided with each system.

Radio Set Control C-12436/URC provides the AN/VRC-100 operator interface. Rotary switches allow the operator to select the operational function, mode, volume, and preset net. Push-button switches adjust squelch, panel lighting, and select and edit displayed data. A six-line alphanumeric display provides system status and advisory data. The display includes variable backlighting and is NVG compatible. Three line-select switches on the right side of the display let the operator choose various options. The options, such as EDIT, MSG, POSN, or BIT, are displayed beside the switches. The radio set control internal power supply operates from the +24 V dc vehicular power or the VRC-100’s internal power supply. Electrical connections between radio set control, receiver-transmitter, and PA coupler are provided inside the VRC-100 chassis. The DS-101 Data Fill and Key Fill bulkhead connectors located on the front panel are used to load mission planning data.

The receiver-transmitter (RT-1749/URC or RT-1749A/URC) transmits and receives signals in the 2.0000- to 29.9999-MHz band. Receiver-transmitter transmit power output is 100 mW nominal. The receiver-transmitter uses a microprocessor to perform all ALE, ECCM (optional), and modem functions. The internal power supply operates from +24 V dc vehicular power or the VRC-100’s internal power supply. Memory within the receiver-transmitter stores datafill, and preprogrammed data messages. An external 6 V to 24 V dc power source should be connected to the VRC-100 to enable retention of clock, datafill, and data message information when main power is removed from the system. Power required to retain clock and memory data is approximately 1 mA at 7.5 V dc. The external power source is not required to retain the datafill for the VRC-100(V)4, 822-0793-003.

The AN/VRC-100(V)4 does not contain the ECCM or ALE LP3 waveforms. However, it does offer automatic position reporting at specified intervals and a binary messaging function which allows the transfer of up to 4kb of data with ARQ.

Power Amplifier/Coupler AM-7531/URC provides an electrical interface with other AN/ARC-220 LRU’s and the antenna system. External electrical connections are provided by connectors on front of unit. A coaxial type HN antenna connector is located on rear of unit. The PA coupler functions as both a power amplifier and an antenna coupler. The PA coupler provides three output power levels: high (100 W average; 175 W PEP), medium (50 W PEP and average), and low (10 W PEP and average). Antenna coupler circuits provide impedance matching between the power amplifier output and the transmit antenna, which enables maximum power transfer to the antenna. The PA coupler is digitally tuned under control of the receiver-transmitter microprocessor. First time tuning is usually completed in 1 second. The receiver-transmitter stores tuning data for previously tuned frequencies. Stored tuning data reduces future tuning time (to typically 35 ms) when a frequency is used again. Three circuit breakers on the AM-7531 front panel provide +28 V dc power over current protection for the receiver-transmitter, radio set control, and PA coupler. The PA coupler internal power supply operates from +24 V dc vehicular power or the VRC-100’s internal power supply.

General

Frequency	2.0000 - 29.9999 MHz in 100-Hz steps
Channels	20 User-Programmable Simplex or Half-Duplex
	20 Programmable Simplex or Half-Duplex
	20 Programmable Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) Scan Lists
	12 Programmable ECCM Hopsets (VRC-100(V)1 only)
Frequency Stability	3.3 x 10^-7 over operating temperature range
Emission Modes	USB & LSB-voice and data, CW, and AME
ALE	IAW MIL-STD-188-141B Appendix A and MIL-STD-188-141B Appendix A AQC-ALE JITC certified 26 July 2002
ALE Linking Protection	ALE Linking Protection AL1, AL2, & AL3 (MIL-STD-188-141B Appendix B)
ECCM	IAW MIL-STD-188-148A - JITC certified 18 July 2002
Modem	IAW MIL-STD-188-110B and STANAG 4285 - JITC certified 18 July 2002
Frequency	2.0000 - 29.9999 MHz in 100-Hz steps
Power Requirements	24 VDC vehicular power, 28 VDC IAW MIL-STD-1275, or 115 VAC + 5%, or 220 VAC +5%, 47-63 Hz
28 VDC	600 W (transmit) maximum
117 VAC	650 VA (transmit) maximum
220 VAC	650 VA (transmit) maximum (transmit)
Mission Data Backup Battery Input	+6 VDC to +24 VDC (Not Required for 822-0793-003)
Reliability	1000 Hrs MTBF minimum
Fault Isolation/Detection	95% LRU Fault Detection
	98% Fault Isolation (LRU Level)
Mechanical	22.25" x 22.875" x 8.75" (L x W x H); 88.0 lbs
FIELD RE-PROGRAMMABLE
Mission Data	DS-101, EIA-232, MIL-STD-1553B
TRANSEC Keys (AN/VRC-100(V)1 only)	DS-101 Compatible with AN/CYZ-10 and Simple Key Loader
Software (OFP)	IAW MIL-STD-2217

Transmit

Characteristics	IAW MIL-STD-188-141A
Power Output	3 levels: 175 W pep (100 W Avg)
	50 W Avg
	10 W Avg
Tune Time	1 sec nominal, 5 sec max
Antennas	LFH-230	C&S Antennas - "Fanlite" broadband fan-dipole antenna used with telescopic "CARRYMAST" Excellent NVIS Antenna
	BWDS-90N	Barker & Williamson broadband folded dipole - OK NVIS Antenna
	AT-1011/U	32’ whip, Shakespeare 120-11 Longer Range Omni directional, Poor NVIS antenna
	AS-2259	Telex Hy-Gain 637K-1

Interfaces

Audio Voice	H-250 Handset
	Adjustable 0 or +17 dBm (5 mW) maximum, 150 ohm balanced
Audio Data	1 mW (0 dBm), 600 ohm balanced
Secure Voice/Data Operation	Compatible with KY-100 (AIRTERM), USC-43 (TACTERM), VP-116, and DVP-200
Data Terminal Interfaces	Synchronous serial data interface to embedded modem, synchronous serial data interface to radio message center, and synchronous serial data interface to external data source through internal data switch. Compatible with KY-100 (AIRTERM)
Data Sources	1553, EIA-232C, DAGR or PLGR GPS (Time & Position), HF Messenger™

Type Number	Description	Part Number
AN/VRC-100(V)1	HF Ground/Vehicular Radio Set with ECCM	822-0793-001 NSN:5821-01-413-4235
AN/VRC-100(V)4	HF Ground/Vehicular Radio Set without ECCM and without NSA AL3	822-0793-003 NSN: 5820-01-546-4886
ARC-220 HF-CPS	User Friendly ARC-220 Mission Planning Software	811-0368-001
AN/VRC-100	Technical Prod. Support man-day rate at Rockwell Collins Facility	NPN, MDR
AN/VRC-100	Technical Product Support, hourly rate onsite CONUS	NPN, TPS-HR

Product Information Material is available at no charge and can be obtained by contacting GS Customer Relations:

AN/VRC-100 (V) 1	U.S. Army Publication
Operator's and Aviation Unit Maintenance Manual & RPSTL	TM 11-5820-1141-12&P
Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Manual	TM 11-5820-1141-30
Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Repair Parts and Special Tools List for Radio Set	TM 11-5820-1141-30P
AN/ARC-220 HF Airborne Radio Program Multiplex Interface Control Document (Rev 07)	CPN: 752-7731-004 (Available from US Army)
AN/VRC-100 (V) 4	Rockwell Collins Publication
AN/ARC-220(V) 3/4 and AN/VRC-100(V)4 High-frequency Communications System Operation and Organizational Maintenance Manual	523-0780607
AN/ARC-220(V) 3/4 and NA/VRC-100(V)4 High-frequency Communications System Intermediate Maintenance Manual	523-0780606
VRC-100 Test Set Group	523-0810213
HF Communication Systems Multiple Interface Control Document for the RT-1749A HF Receiver-Exciter - 1553 & EIA-232 ICD	CPN Dependent upon RT software version (See table below)