( Brand: Collins ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 6287/ARC-51BX ), ( Part Type: Control Radio Box )
Review COLLINS 6287/arc-51bx C-6287/arc-51bx Radio Control Box An/arc-51bx/51x 51
The **Collins ARC-51BX (Model 6287/ARC-51BX, C-6287/ARC-51BX)** is a highly sophisticated, military-grade radio control box designed for integration with the AN/ARC-51 series of tactical radios, including the AN/ARC-51X and AN/RT-742 systems. Engineered by Collins Radio (now part of Rockwell Collins), this unit serves as a critical interface between the operator and the radio s advanced communication capabilities, ensuring seamless control over voice, data, and secure transmission functions. Built to withstand the harshest operational environments, the **522-3629-00** control box features a robust, ruggedized construction with a durable aluminum or composite housing, designed to endure extreme temperatures, shock, and vibration making it ideal for airborne, ground, or naval applications. Its compact yet functional layout incorporates a **multi-function keypad, status LEDs, and a clear, backlit display**, allowing operators to quickly access and manage critical radio functions such as frequency selection, encryption settings, and transmission modes with minimal latency.
The **ARC-51BX control box** is engineered for compatibility with the **AN/ARC-51X**, a versatile, multi-channel tactical radio system capable of handling both voice and data communications across a wide spectrum of frequencies, including HF, VHF, and UHF bands. This flexibility is further enhanced by its integration with the **AN/RT-742**, a high-performance radio transceiver known for its advanced encryption, secure voice capabilities, and long-range communication range. The control box itself is equipped with **dedicated function keys for quick access to essential operations**, such as encryption key entry, channel scanning, and emergency transmission protocols, ensuring that operators can prioritize mission-critical communications without delay. Its **modular design** allows for easy upgrades and customization, accommodating evolving military and tactical communication requirements while maintaining backward compatibility with existing systems.
Beyond its operational robustness, the **6287/ARC-51BX** is designed with **ergonomic considerations** in mind, featuring an intuitive interface that minimizes cognitive load during high-stress scenarios. The **status LEDs** provide real-time feedback on system health, signal strength, and encryption status, while the **backlit display** ensures visibility in low-light conditions, such as night operations or indoor environments. Additionally, the unit supports **multiple language options** and **customizable menus**, catering to diverse operational environments and user preferences. For enhanced security, the control box incorporates **physical and logical access controls**, including password protection and user authentication protocols, ensuring that only authorized personnel can modify critical settings.
In terms of technical specifications, the **ARC-51BX control box** operates within a **wide voltage range**, making it compatible with various power sources, including aircraft power systems, ground-based generators, or battery-powered units. Its **compact dimensions** and **lightweight construction** facilitate easy installation in confined spaces, such as cockpits, command vehicles, or shipboard environments, without compromising functionality. The unit also supports **interoperability with other Collins and third-party tactical radios**, expanding its utility across different military platforms. Whether deployed in a **fixed-wing aircraft, helicopter, or ground vehicle**, the **6287/ARC-51BX** serves as a reliable, mission-critical component, ensuring that communication networks remain secure, efficient, and resilient under the most demanding conditions. Its legacy as part of the **AN/ARC-51 series** underscores its importance in modern military and tactical communication systems, where reliability and performance are non-negotiable.
### **Pros and Cons of buying a Collins 6287/ARC-51BX Radio Control Box (Part Numbers: 522-3629-00, AN/ARC-51BX, 51X, RT742)**
The Collins 6287/ARC-51BX is a military-grade, high-frequency (HF) radio control unit used primarily in aviation and ground communications systems. Below is a detailed analysis of its advantages and disadvantages, followed by a conclusion and recommendation.
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### **Pros**
1. **Military-Grade Reliability**
The ARC-51BX is designed for harsh environments, including extreme temperatures, vibration, and electromagnetic interference (EMI). Its robust construction ensures long-term durability in operational settings, making it ideal for military, government, and aerospace applications.
2. **High-Frequency (HF) and Very High-Frequency (VHF) Capabilities**
The unit supports a wide range of frequencies (typically 2 30 MHz for HF and 118 136 MHz for VHF), allowing for global communications coverage. This is particularly valuable for military, aviation, and emergency response operations where long-range or over-the-horizon communication is required.
3. **Modular and Upgradable Design**
The ARC-51BX is part of a family of radios that can be integrated with various antennas, modems, and encryption devices. This modularity allows for upgrades to newer firmware, encryption standards (e.g., STU-III, Link 11), or additional features without replacing the entire unit.
4. **Backward and Forward Compatibility**
The ARC-51BX is compatible with older Collins radios (e.g., ARC-108, ARC-110) and can interface with modern systems. This makes it a versatile choice for fleets transitioning between older and newer equipment.
5. **Proven Track Record**
The Collins ARC series has been in use for decades, with the ARC-51BX being a refined version of earlier models. Its widespread adoption in military aircraft (e.g., C-130, C-17, helicopters) and ground vehicles attests to its reliability and effectiveness in real-world scenarios.
6. **Redundancy and Fail-Safe Features**
The unit often includes redundancy options, such as dual power supplies or backup circuits, to minimize downtime in critical operations. Some configurations also support automatic frequency selection (AFS) and frequency hopping to avoid jamming.
7. **Support for Secure Communications**
The ARC-51BX can be equipped with encryption modules (e.g., STU-III, Link 11) to ensure secure voice and data transmission. This is essential for classified military or diplomatic communications.
8. **Compatibility with Legacy Systems**
For organizations still operating older Collins radios or systems, the ARC-51BX serves as a bridge to modernize communications without a complete overhaul. It can often be integrated into existing networks with minimal modifications.
9. **Resale and Parts Availability**
Due to its widespread use, spare parts, manuals, and technical support are widely available. This reduces the risk of obsolescence and makes maintenance easier compared to proprietary or niche systems.
10. **Cost-Effective for Bulk or Refurbished Units**
While new units are expensive, refurbished or surplus ARC-51BX units can be acquired at a fraction of the cost. This makes it a cost-effective option for organizations with tight budgets or those looking to extend the lifespan of their communications infrastructure.
---
### **Cons**
1. **High Initial Cost**
A new Collins 6287/ARC-51BX control box is expensive, often costing tens of thousands of dollars. This can be a significant investment for smaller organizations, non-governmental entities, or private operators.
2. **Complexity and Training Requirements**
The ARC-51BX is a sophisticated piece of equipment that requires trained personnel to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot. Operators must undergo extensive training to fully utilize its capabilities, which can be a barrier for non-military or civilian users.
3. **Maintenance and Expertise Needs**
Due to its complexity, maintenance often requires specialized technicians familiar with Collins radio systems. This can lead to higher operational costs if in-house expertise is lacking.
4. **Weight and Space Requirements**
The unit is relatively heavy and bulky, which can be a drawback for applications where space and weight are critical (e.g., small unmanned aerial vehicles or portable field units). Installation may require additional mounting or structural considerations.
5. **Deprecated Technology**
While the ARC-51BX is still functional, some of its features (e.g., certain encryption standards or modulation techniques) may be considered outdated compared to modern digital radios (e.g., SINCGARS, Have Quick). This could limit its effectiveness in future-proofing communications.
6. **Limited Commercial Availability**
Unlike consumer-grade radios, the ARC-51BX is not widely available in commercial markets. Purchasers must often go through military surplus channels, government auctions, or specialized distributors, which can complicate acquisition.
7. **Integration Challenges**
Integrating the ARC-51BX with modern digital networks or software-defined radio (SDR) systems can be challenging. Compatibility with newer protocols or interoperability with non-Collins equipment may require additional interfaces or adapters.
8. **Environmental Sensitivity**
While the unit is rugged, it is not immune to extreme conditions (e.g., saltwater corrosion, high humidity, or sand). Proper environmental sealing and maintenance are required to prevent long-term degradation.
9. **Licensing and Regulatory Restrictions**
Operating the ARC-51BX on certain frequencies may require specific licenses or clearances, particularly for military or government use. Civilian use could be restricted or require special approvals from regulatory bodies.
10. **Obsolescence Risk**
As military and aviation industries shift toward digital and software-defined radios (e.g., AN/PRC-117G, AN/ARC-210), the demand for legacy systems like the ARC-51BX may decline. This could lead to reduced support or parts availability in the long term.
---
### **Conclusion**
The Collins 6287/ARC-51BX is a highly capable, military-grade radio control unit that excels in reliability, versatility, and secure communications. Its strengths lie in its robustness, wide frequency coverage, and compatibility with legacy systems, making it ideal for military, aviation, and government applications where dependability is paramount. However, its high cost, complexity, and limited commercial availability may pose challenges for non-military users or organizations with budget constraints.
For **military, government, or aviation entities** with existing Collins radio ecosystems, the ARC-51BX remains a sound investment due to its proven performance and interoperability. For **civilian or commercial users**, the unit may be overkill unless specific HF/VHF capabilities are critical. In such cases, alternatives like modern digital radios or software-defined radios might offer better value for money and future flexibility.
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### **Recommendation**
- **Buy the ARC-51BX if:**- You are part of a military, government, or aviation organization with existing Collins radio infrastructure.
- You require a rugged, high-frequency radio with secure communications for long-range or over-the-horizon operations.
- You can source a refurbished or surplus unit to reduce costs.
- Your team has the expertise to maintain and operate the equipment.
- **Avoid or Consider Alternatives if:**- You are a civilian or commercial user without access to military-grade support.
- Your budget is limited, and modern digital radios (e.g., Yaesu FT-7900R, Icom IC-R9500) offer sufficient capabilities at a lower cost.
- You prioritize software-defined radio (SDR) flexibility and future-proofing over legacy system compatibility.
- You require easier integration with modern networks or user-friendly interfaces.
For organizations committed to the Collins ecosystem, the ARC-51BX is a reliable choice. For others, evaluating newer digital radios or consulting with a communications specialist to assess specific needs may yield a more cost-effective solution.
Details:
Daniel Rudely, San Diego, CA, USA. The item has only been tested to the extent described in condition/testing notes. Aircraft Fitted. We wont leave you stuck without a solution.
The control panel C-6287/ ARC-51 allows manual selection, or one of 20 preset channels. This Collins radio control head is used with the AN/ARC-51 series UHF AM aircraft. Collins C-6287/ARC-51BX Radio Control box 522-3629-00 AN/ARC-51BX/51X 51 RT742, We gladly ship Worldwide Scroll down for more Photos and details, 1 AN/ARC-51BX/51X/ARC51/RT742. Make: Collins.
What you see in the picture is what get nothing more less. Specifications. Condition: Used. Type: Radio Control Head.
Frequency range is 220.00 MHz through 399.95. If fact it may have unknown flaws and deficiencies. The results of all tests that are performed disclosed in the ad.
part #: 6287arc51bx prices
- $249.00-$999.00
specifications comnavavioni:
- brand: Collins
- mpn: 6287/arc-51bx
- part type: Control Radio Box
general comnavavioni:
- condition: Used
- Aviation Parts Accessories > Avionics > NAV/COMs
offer comnavavioni:
- options: Ship-to-home
- started: April 27, 2026
- availability: In Stock
- quantity: 2
- best offers: True
- sold: 0
payments comnavavioni:
- other
- wallet: Apple-pay
- credit card: Visa
seller comnavavioni:
- city: San Diego, California
- rating: 98.9%
- # reviews: 6719
returns comnavavioni:
- policy: Returns Accepted
- time: 30 Days
- paid by: Buyer
shipping comnavavioni:
- transit: 4-10 Days
- service: Standard
- cost: $6.45
- class: Standard
- type: Fixed
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