272, a smaller version of 861A Infantry Transceiver

The Type 861/861A Company-Platoon Level Transceivers saw large scale actions during Sino-Vietnam border conflict between 1984 and 1989. The only issue come out of the feedback from the troop is that it lacks squelch mode. This makes the operation of this radio not only a very tiring business but also decreasing environment awareness for the operator. In mid 80's, requirements for lighter and better replacement of 861 were given.  One of the results is a much improved version of the 861A transceiver, code name 272.  It is much smaller and lighter radio; it uses the same antennas and headset as that of 861.  Most important of all, squelch mode is added.  It is basically a smaller version of 861, plus squelch mode.

A small number of 272 transceivers were sent to troop for trial but never adopted by the military since it had a much better radio in mind, the TBR-115. 

Basically no information could be found in internet for this radio.  Not until recently, I got this radio code name correct after having two of them for almost 10 years.  Nowadays, 272 is not a common item among collectors, and sales for high price for such a small and simple radio.

Technical data:

1. VHF/FM transceiver with 11 channels (49.1, 49.2, 49.3, 49.4, 49.5, 49.5, 49.6, 49.7, 49.8, 49.9, 50.0 and 50.1 MHz) controlled by crystals.  
2. 0.3W output
3. Should be powered by a 15V battery (I never see one), or 10 1.2V AA rechargeable battery pack.
4. Using 0.48 meter whip antenna, it has a range of no less than 1 Km in a normal flat battle field condition.
5. It also could use a 10.5 meter wire antenna to improve its range.
6. The earphone and microphone are built into a hat and connect to a small power switch/control box and then connect to the radio body. The 272 does not have a volume control knob on its body, a simple high/low two-level volume control switch is built into the headset control box.
7. The 272 also has a simple telegraph key on top of the radio body for operating in CW mode.
8. It Weights ~600 g without battery, antenna, and headset.
9. The radio body measures 18 cm x 10 cm x 4.5 cm.