Best radio for HF LOS and BLOS

• A. AN/ARC-210
• B. AN/PRC-152
• C. AN/PRC-163
• D. Harris AN/PRC-160

Answer: (D)

The main idea is that to communicate effectively across both nearby line-of-sight and far beyond it, you need a radio that can operate across multiple frequency bands and access beyond-line-of-sight links. A radio that covers HF, VHF, and UHF and can connect to satellite or other relay networks gives you true versatility for both LOS and BLOS scenarios.

The Harris AN/PRC-160 fits this need best. It is a multi-band manpack that can operate across the bands used for local, line-of-sight contacts and also access beyond-line-of-sight networks (such as satellite relays) when direct LOS isn’t possible. That combination lets units talk within a patrol or vehicle group at short range and reach distant units, command posts, or higher headquarters when terrain or distance would otherwise block direct radio links. It’s designed for rugged field use and supports the secure, reliable voice and data comms required in contested environments.

The other radios don’t match this mix as well. The ARC-210 is an aircraft/ship-focused radio, not a compact ground operator solution for line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight on the battlefield. The PRC-152 is versatile and widely used for LOS VHF/UHF work but doesn’t offer the same breadth of HF capabilities and satellite-based BLOS reach as the PRC-160. The PRC-163 is capable but generally does not provide the same broad multi-band coverage and BLOS access that the PRC-160 offers.