The R-187-P1 “Azart” (Russian: Р-187 “Азарт”, “Excitement”) is a Russian handheld tactical and public safety radio developed and produced by NPO Angstrem for the Russian Ministry of Defense. It is a component of the Ratnik infantry combat system.
History
Development and Production
The Azart-P1 was developed to provide modern, reliable communication capabilities to the Russian Armed Forces and public safety agencies. Production began in 2014 and continues to the present.
Service
The Azart-P1 was first used by Russian public safety agencies during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. It has since seen service with the Russian Armed Forces in the Syrian Civil War and the Russo-Ukrainian War, where many units have been captured by Ukrainian soldiers.
Variants
- R-187-P1: Standard model used by the Russian Armed Forces.
- R-187-P1E: Export model.
- R-187V: Vehicle-mounted version with higher transmit power and a larger frequency range.
Deployment
Military Use
The R-187-P1 “Azart” has been deployed extensively by the Russian Armed Forces. It is used in various military operations to provide secure and reliable communications.
Public Safety
The radio is also utilized by Russian public safety agencies, providing critical communication support during large public events and emergencies.
International Use
The radio has been exported to several countries and is used in various international operations.
Technical Characteristics
General Specifications
- Frequency Range: 27-520 MHz
- Transmit Power: Up to 4 watts
- Modes: Analog voice (AM, FM, USB, LSB), digital voice and data (GSM, TETRA)
- Weight: 466 g (without battery and antenna)
- Data Speed: Up to 256 kbit/s, typically 7.2 kbit/s
- Frequency Hoprate: >20,000 hops/second (“Azart” waveform), 100 hops/second (“Aqueduct” waveform)
- Navigation: GPS, GLONASS
- Storage Capacity: 512 MB
- Antenna Connector: TNC female
- Interfaces: USB, RS-485, Bluetooth
- Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
Antennas
The radio is supplied with multiple antennas to cover its entire frequency range:
- Long Antenna: 27-520 MHz
- Medium Antenna: 100-520 MHz
- Short Antenna: 136-520 MHz
Special Features
The radio supports VHF/UHF Line of Sight (VULOS) communications in simplex, duplex, and repeater modes. It is also compatible with TETRA networks in trunked and conventional modes, as well as GSM 900/1800 cellular networks.
Controversies
Embezzlement and Manufacturing Issues
Some Azart-P1 radios were manufactured in China due to an embezzlement scheme involving General Khalil Arslanov, the former head of the Main Directorate of Communications of the Russian Armed Forces. Additionally, some radios were found to use Taiwanese-made, American-designed microchips for encrypting radio traffic.
Comparable Radios
- AN/PRC-148
- AN/PRC-152
- AN/PRC-153
| R-187-P1 “Azart” | |
|---|---|
| Type | Handheld tactical radio |
| Service History | |
| In service | since 2014 |
| Used by | Russian Armed Forces, Russian public safety agencies |
| Wars | Syrian Civil War, Russo-Ukrainian War |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | NPO Angstrem |
| Production years | 2014 – ongoing |
| Specifications | |
| Frequency range | 27-520 MHz |
| Transmit power | up to 4 watts |
| Modes | analog voice, digital voice, and data |
| Weight | 466 g (w/o battery and antenna) |
References
- “Azart-P1”. www.cryptomuseum.com. Retrieved 2024-02-01.
- Ebbutt, Giles (19 April 2018). “DSA 2018: Azart showcases Ratnik combat radio | Jane’s 360”. Archived from the original on 21 April 2018.
- “Военные радиостанции Ангстрема использовались для связи в Сочи”. Время электроники (in Russian). 2014-03-23. Retrieved 2024-01-31.
- Thomas, Timothy (June 2020). Russian lessons learned in Syria – An assessment (PDF). MITRE Center for Technology and National Security. p. 18.
- “Як користуватися трофейною радіостанцією Р-187-П1 “Азарт””. armyinform.com.ua (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 2024-02-01.
- “Azart – Standardized Tactical Command and Control Radio-Communication System”. Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation. Retrieved 2024-02-01.
- Withington, Dr Thomas (2022-04-01). “TETRA Talk”. Armada International. Retrieved 2024-02-01.
- “К военным поставкам подходят с гражданским азартом”. Коммерсантъ (in Russian). 2021-03-04. Retrieved 2024-02-01.
- “Russian “native” military radio station uses microchip made in Taiwan to encrypt data – Technology Org”. 2022-11-20. Retrieved 2024-02-01.