The AN/VRC-12 is the lowest-numbered element of a family of vehicular VHF-FM synthesized vehicular radio communications systems developed by Avco Corporation[1] and introduced around 1963 and used extensively by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War and for many years after. It replaced the earlier AN/GRC-3 through 8 series and was, in turn, replaced by the Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS) in the early 1990s. The sets were manufactured by its original developer, Avco based in Cincinnati, Ohio (originally by its Electronic & Ordnance Div., Evendale, Ohio), and Magnavox, Ft. Wayne, Indiana[2] (with LTV Electrosystems, Inc.[3] and Memcor, Inc.,[4] supplying certain components, such as receivers and transmitters.) Texas Instruments was one of the principal bidders that proposed improved, ultra-reliable (failure-free) variant of VRC-12 in the late 1960s, but failed to win the competition.[5] RCA bid for ultra-reliable variant in the early 1970s was also unsuccessful.[6]
The older AN/GRC-3 to 8 series was configured from three different transceivers:
Each transceiver weighed 215 lb and occupied 2.5 cubic feet. Power output was 15 to 20 Watts, yielding a 15-mile range. Frequency spacing was 100 kHz. There was limited overlap between armor and artillery radios, and between artillery and infantry radios, but none between armor and infantry.
The transceivers in the new AN/VRC-12 series were half the size and weight of the GRC-3x series, output twice the power, yet covered all frequencies in the larger 30 to 76 MHz FM band and provided 920 channels, vs 350 with the GRC-3 series.
The VRC-12 series includes the VRC-12 and VRC-43 to 49. which consist of various combinations of three basic components, two receiver-transmitter models, the RT-246 and the RT-524, and an auxiliary receiver, the R-442. The RT-246 can select one of ten frequencies preset by the operator. The operator has to select each frequency manually on the RT-524, which has a built-in loudspeaker in the space occupied by push buttons on the RT-246. The RT-524 was developed primarily for use in vehicles where the operator could reach the control panel easily; the RT-246 was designed for use in tracked vehicles where the operator could not reach the control panel. In Vietnam these radios were often removed from vehicles for use in bases such as forward tactical command posts. In most cases, major tactical units were issued the VRC-12 family of radios just before or shortly after their deployment to Vietnam during 1965 and 1966.[7]
| VRC-12 | RT-246 + R-442 | |
| VRC-43 | RT-246 | |
| VRC-44 | RT-246 + R-442 + R-442 | |
| VRC-45 | RT-246 + RT-246 | |
| VRC-46 | RT-524 | |
| VRC-47 | RT-524 + R-442 | |
| VRC-48 | RT-524 + R-442 + R-442 | |
| VRC-49 | RT-524 + RT-524 |
The radios contained 100 transistors and 8 vacuum tubes and were modular in design, allowing most servicing to be done with only a screw driver. Later upgrades replaced the vacuum tubes with transistors.[8] A variety of accessories were available, including antennas, control heads, encryptors, head sets, shock mounts, speakers and interconnecting cables.
| Technical characteristics[9] | ||
|---|---|---|
| Channels: | 920 channels across two bands using 50 kHz steps | |
| Frequency Ranges: | 30.00 to 52.95 MHz (Low Channel); 53.00 to 75.95 MHz (High Channel) | |
| Estimated Range: | 25-30 mi (40–48 km) Dependent on conditions (less in jungle) | |
| Power Output: | 35 to 40 watts | |
| Power Source: | Vehicle power or generators | |
| Antenna: | AT-912/VRC or AS-1729/VRC for mobile use, RC-292 for fixed | |
| Type of Service: | 30K0F3E (FM) vehicular radio | |
| Weight: | 100 lb (45 kg) | |
| Security | Could be used with TSEC/KY-8 or KY-38 NESTOR and, later, the KY-57 VINSON secure voice systems | |