BWT-119 / TBR-120A General Purpose VHF FM Transceiver

The development of replacement radio of Type 81 Compact started in 1978, and a general purpose VHF FM radio (code name 711) was also requested at the same time. There were some arguments on whether or not to combine SSB and VHF/FM into one machine. A decision was reached that three models would be developed at the same time. There are BWT133 15W SSB, BWT119 6W general purpose VHF radio, and TBR-122 dual mode radio with 15W SSB and 6W VHF. The development work of BWT119 started in 1977 by Tianjing Wireless Work, and went to production in 1987 and spread onto several factories.  The development work for the other two also finished in mid 80's and the military adopted the BWT-133 and BWT119, and TBR122 only saw limited deployment. 

The BWT-119 is the first general purpose VHF FM radio developed for PLA covering 30 to 80 MHz frequency range; it is defined as Regiment-Battalion level general purpose transceiver. It is designed to replace Type 73 (Silicon 2W) shortware HF transceiver, 884 FM transceiver, and even in some cases the 10W SSB in PLA infantry units.  It is also used to replace 7 series radio in artillery units. Mass production started in late 80’s.  The formal name should be TBR-120, but I never saw a single machine labeled like that.  It could be that it was not yet formally adopted by the military at that time.  Soon after it was issued to the troop, it was reported that the frequency syntheses module was not that reliable and difficult to repair.  An improved version was introduced in early 90’s with much improved frequency syntheses module using newer IC chips and redesigned structure. This version is called TBR-120A.  It is the most common version sees service in PLA.

BWT-119/TBR-120A is a channel based frequency syntheses VHF/FM back-pack transceiver with a manual antenna tuner.  The unit has two output power levels, 6W and 1W.  With a 2.9 meter antenna and 6W output, the typical communication distance over a flat terrain is 10~30 km. It also has a squelch mode, a nice feature lacks in most of older PLA radios.  With an external device, BTR-120A could achieve secured digital communication.  It weight 5.5 kg.  It is water proof and could float on water.  It could also be used as a wired field telephone if so desired.

TBR-120A along with BWT-119 is still the main Regiment-Battalion level general purpose transceiver in PLA infantry units, but is being replaced by TBR-121C frequency agile IP address based networking capable transceiver.  Recently a large number of retired TBR-120A/BWT-119 is offered in surplus market.

Technical data:

• Frequency range: 30.00 – 79.975 MHz
• Transmit type: FM
• Channel spacing: 25 KHz
• Output power: 6 W on high and 1 W on low output
• Antenna: 
• 1.5 meter wipe antenna
• 2.9 meter wipe antenna (1.5 meter antenna plus 6 extension sections)
• 40 meter wire directional antenna.
• Power supply: 24V non-rechargeable or rechargeable unit battery, or 24V external power supply
• Weight:  5.5 kg without battery, antenna, and handset/handset.
• Dimensions:  29cm x 10.5cm x 31cm