A review of the latest generation of Soviet tactical radios

Summary form only given. The Arbalet family of radios represents the latest generation of tactical communications equipment designed and built in the former Soviet Union. Intended for use by ground forces, the Arbalet family includes radios operating in the HF, VHF and UHF bands, both vehicle mount and manpack. They offer additional capabilities over the previous generation of radios. In addition to operating under microcomputer control, the Arbalet radios also provide an integral digital data mode, improved antenna tuning, digital preselector tuning and network protocol support. Also, channel scanning capabilities provide some immunity to jamming and interfering signals. Technical information about the radios is a result of physical exploitation performed at the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI). The radios´ operating modes and performance specifications are reviewed in detail, considering such issues as design approach and effectiveness, construction techniques, maintainability, and Western technology transfer. Finally an assessment is made of future capabilities and features of the next generation of radio systems produced by the former Soviet Union