Prima-KV

Long-range communication with Prima-KV

The main job of Prima-KV is to keep communication available over extended distances. This is especially important for helicopters and transport aircraft operating over large territories, low-density regions, offshore areas, mountains, or routes with limited ground radio infrastructure. The station works across the HF band and supports aircraft-to-ground and aircraft-to-aircraft communication. Depending on the selected version, Prima-KV can be used for standard voice exchange, telecode communication, data transmission, and adaptive communication functions. This makes the system suitable both for civil aircraft and special-purpose aviation.

Prima-KV frequency operation and channel memory

Prima-KV works in the 2.0000–29.9999 MHz frequency range with a 100 Hz frequency step. For crews and operators, this gives enough flexibility to work with assigned HF frequencies and prepared channels. The basic versions support programmable channel memory, which reduces cockpit workload: the crew can select stored frequencies rather than manually tuning the station each time. In the adaptive communication version, the number of stored channels is increased, and the station can support ALE operation for automatic link establishment. This is useful when communication conditions change and the radio channel must be selected more intelligently.

Prima-KV versions and adaptive communication

The Prima-KV family includes several versions. The basic configuration provides 100 W output power and standard HF radio operation. A civil aviation version is also available and is certified for civil use according to the official product brochure. The adaptive communication version adds SDR technology, ALE operation, serial modems, and data transmission modes similar to STANAG 4538, STANAG 4539, STANAG 4415 and MIL-STD-188-110B. This version is intended for more complex communication tasks, where voice is not the only requirement and automated channel selection or data exchange is needed.

Aircraft application of Prima-KV

Prima-KV can be installed on helicopters and aircraft as part of onboard radio communication equipment. The official documentation mentions installation and replacement documentation for Mi-8AMT / Mi-171E, Mi-8MTV-1 / Mi-17-1V, Mi-8T and Mi-26T applications. In modernization programs, Prima-KV may replace older HF radio stations such as Yadro-1 or Yadro-1G1, depending on aircraft type and approved documentation. Before supply or installation, the aircraft version, existing antenna system, mounting position, control panel arrangement, power supply and interface requirements must be checked.

Main blocks of the Prima-KV radio station

A complete Prima-KV installation is not limited to one transceiver. The system may include a B1-PrK transceiver unit, mounting frame, antenna matching unit, remote control panel and installation accessories depending on configuration. The antenna matching unit is especially important for HF operation, because the aircraft antenna must be matched to the selected frequency before efficient transmission is possible. If the station is ordered for replacement or modernization, it is better to clarify whether the requirement is for a complete radio station set or only for a specific block such as B1-PrK, B5A1-PrK or B7P1-PrK.

Integration and supply of Prima-KV

Prima-KV supports digital control and aircraft interface channels such as GOST 18977 / ARINC 429, RS-422 and RS-232, with additional Ethernet and CAN options in the adaptive communication version. This allows the station to be integrated into different avionics layouts, from simpler cockpit control to more complex communication systems. For procurement, the exact version must be specified: basic, civil aviation version, or adaptive communication version. Documentation, serial number, configuration, test status, completeness and aircraft compatibility should be confirmed before shipment.