Radio Harris 5800

The Harris RF-5800 series, part of the Falcon II® family, remains a cornerstone of tactical military communications, though it is increasingly transitioning from a frontline primary system to a legacy/sustainment asset as newer Falcon III® (e.g., RF-7800) systems take precedence. L3HarrisCryptomuseum

Product Overview

The RF-5800 series comprises software-defined radios (SDR) designed for secure, high-speed tactical data and voice communications. Key models include:

• RF-5800V-MP: A VHF manpack radio (30–108 MHz) providing 20W of output power. L3Harris
• RF-5800V-HH: A compact handheld version (30–108 MHz) for squad-level line-of-sight communication. Radiospro
• RF-5800H-MP: An HF/VHF system extending frequency coverage up to 60 MHz for long-range and ground-wave communications. W2Hx

Technical Highlights:

• Security: Integrated Harris Citadel II 128-bit and AES encryption, alongside Quicklook frequency hopping (TRANSEC) to mitigate jamming. RadiosproCryptomuseum
• Data Throughput: Standard 16 kbps modem, with advanced waveforms supporting up to 64 kbps for IP-based battlefield networking. L3Harris
• Ruggedization: Certified to MIL-STD-810 standards, with immersion protection up to 2 meters. Radiospro

Market Trends & Insights (2025–2026)

1. 1Transition to Falcon III: The market is shifting toward Falcon III® (RF-7800/AN/PRC-152A) platforms which offer multiband, multi-mission capabilities and significantly higher data rates (up to 5 Mbps). Consequently, the RF-5800 series is now primarily seen in the secondary/surplus market and for foreign military sales (FMS) sustainment. Harriswilliams
2. 2Sustainment Market Demand: There is a robust secondary market for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO). Sourcing original components (batteries, antennas, KDUs) is becoming more localized to specialized defense contractors as the manufacturer prioritizes newer generations. Parttarget
3. 3Rise of SDR Commercial Alternatives: Emerging trends show increased interest in "tactical-grade" commercial SDRs (like the AR-152 or TBR-119) as lower-cost alternatives for training or non-frontline paramilitary use, though they lack the proprietary Harris Citadel encryption. AlibabaAlibaba
4. 4Resale Value: Used/demilitarized RF-5800H-MP units have been observed in surplus auctions and professional resales at prices around $5,800 USD, reflecting high demand among collectors and non-government tactical enthusiasts. Ebay

The attached files provide a breakdown of current B2B availability for related tactical equipment and accessories. Note that direct procurement of new RF-5800 systems is typically restricted to government entities through official defense channels.