PRC-6
The PRC-6 is a fifties vintage VHF FM transceiver. Designed as a replacement for the BC611, it is of walkie talkie form factor with a flexible tape antenna.
COMMENTARY
The PRC-6 is a single channel transceiver, which entered service in 1951. It became one of the most common military radios of all time, seeing service up until very recently.
Standard antenna is a flexible tape antenna. A BNC connector allows an alternate antenna to be used. Audio is via transducers built into the case although a GRC type handset can be connected via a single audio connector.
The battery is located in the casing. Control is very simple. There is a rotary switch to select internal or external audio which doubles as the power switch. There is also a volume control. The PTT switch is on the side of the unit.
The unit is quite bulky, with the battery consisting of the majority of the bulk. Alignment is very difficult, being done via several transformers which are quite fragile. The ID-292
alignment indicator is used to perform alignment. The electronics uses miniature glass bead type valves except for the final. The electronics is not a modular design.
Like many radio of this type, ham operation can be difficult because of the unavailability of batteries. Single channel operation and low power output are a hindrance to ham use.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency Range: 47-54MHz FM, single channel.
Power Output: 350mW
Voltage Requirements: 1.5V, 45V, 90V, -3V supplied by BA-270
CONSTRUCTION
Below: Internal view of the PRC-6. At the top of the photo is the ID-292 alignment indicator. 
OVERALL RATINGS
Engineering rating (taking into time of design).
A significant improvement on the World War 2 design it replaced. 8/10
Fitness for purpose rating
I would have thought that its restriction to a single channel would be a hindrance, but its popularity suggests otherwise. 9.5/10
Usefulness as ham equipment rating
Low power output. Crystal controlled single channel. 7.5/10.