I think it was in John Bergans book that he mentioned that the Aussies were involved in the development of the Delco/PRC-64 radio.. Paraphrasing:

Australian Army signals personnel (including Major W.B. Fegan, Royal Australian Signals) were involved in the development of specification requirements for the AN/PRC-64 as a jungle patrol radio.   

During that development, Major Fegan also contributed a critically important, but otherwise easily dismissed observation based upon the Australians earlier jungle warfare experience in WWII coastwatcher ops and later in Borneo. “The most important component of a man pack radio system is the man.” Indeed. Keep it small, lightweight and simple. Sounds like the PRC-64.

That video is interesting...Yup, URC-64, M-203 grenade launchers/M-16.  And maybe HF CW comms without an antenna connected ?!  ;o)

Declassified MACVSOG documents noted that the PRC-64 was used by MACVSOG in Vietnam but on a very limited basis when the range or weight of a PRC-74 was not needed or wanted.. Kept in "reserve".  I understand only 500 sets were made.

Thanks Aussies - We remember

Tim

N6CC


On Sun, Mar 10, 2024 at 5:50 PM Al Klase <ark@ar88.net> wrote:
Mark,

It's a Delco 5300 or 5300A  a.k.a AN/PRC-64.



My set:



The Ausies were know to have made good use of these.  Designed for CW.  The A model hasa 500 Hz Collins filter in the RX.

AL

On 3/10/2024 8:23 PM, MilComm Guy wrote:
I found this video showing a DELCO radio @2min in and about 3:30 in, also what looks like a URC-64 survival radio.

Mark
K1HF

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Al Klase - N3FRQ
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