Tactical Radio Basics
Learn about the distinct RF bands including High Frequency (HF), Very High Frequency (VHF), Ultra High Frequency (UHF), microwave and Satellite Communications (SATCOM).
Types of Tactical Radio
What are the different types of tactical radio? Learn about the distinct RF bands including HF, VHF, UHF, microwave and SATCOM.
Radio Waves
What is a Radio Wave
Learn about the elements of a radio wave including frequency, amplitude and wavelength.
What are the Elements of a Radio Wave?
Learn about electrical and magnetic fields and how they form an electromagnetic wave.
What Impacts Radio Propagation?
Learn about attenuation, antenna configuration and amplitude.
What Causes Radio Noise and Interference?
Learn about the causes of RF noise and interference and how it can be mitigated to help ensure reliable communication in a tactical environment.
Radio Communications Q&A
Explore some common questions about tactical radios, such as: Are radios dangerous? How do we use radios in our daily lives? Can radios work under water?
Antennas
Why Do I Need an Antenna?
Learn about the role of antennas, different types and how they support changing mission demands in tactical communication environments.
How Does an Antenna Work?
Learn how a radio antenna transmits and receives, impacts the properties of a wave and the advantages of using a coupler.
What is a Radiation Pattern?
Learn about radio antenna radiation patterns and how polarization and power impact antenna performance when using tactical radios.
How Do You Configure an Antenna?
Learn about setting the proper height, azimuth and grounding for intended antenna performance.
HF Radio
What is HF Radio?
Learn about the basics of HF tactical radio and the importance of the electromagnetic spectrum, propagation and effective planning for Beyond Line Of Sight (BLOS) communication.
Why Use HF Radio?
Learn about the benefits of using HF radio within tactical communications and the advantages it provides when it comes to Beyond Line Of Sight (BLOS) range, independence and security.
When to Use HF Radio
Learn about the conditions when HF radio is a potential solution for tactical communications and the effect of location, nature and performance in contested environments.
Parts of an HF Radio System
What are the parts of an HF radio system? Learn about the different parts of a complete high frequency radio system and the roles of the transceiver, antenna and ancillary equipment.
Using HF Radio
Explore a scenario where HF radio can be used for tactical communications.
How Does HF Radio Use the Ionosphere?
Learn about the layers of the atmosphere, frequencies to use and how refraction extends range for Beyond Line Of Sight (BLOS) communication.
How Do HF Radio Waves Propagate?
Learn about HF wave propagation, including ground waves, skywaves, NVIS and skip zones.
L3Harris Capabilities
The appearance of U.S. Department of War visual information does not imply or constitute DOW endorsement.