Abstract: A survivor locator system allows for the detection of the location for a person who is lost and requires recovery and extraction from their current environment. By using a phase matched antenna set, a GPS receiver, and a handheld simplified beacon-equipped survival transponder, an estimated distance and bearing data set can be retrieved. If this data set estimation is then fed through an error reduction filter, such as a Kalman filtering algorithm, continually refined location coordinates can be generated, leading the search and rescue crew members to the survivor. The survivor locator system and methods provide a handheld survival radio with reduced complexity.

Abstract: A survival radio battery adapter is provided for survival equipment to operate with commercially available rechargeable batteries sealed in a rugged, watertight battery compartment. The survival radio battery adapter comprises a battery compartment, an adapter coupler, an adapter means having surge protection, voltage regulator and voltage conversion devices, with the adapter coupler being connected to the battery compartment and the battery compartment containing sufficient commercially available rechargeable batteries. The battery compartment is configured to provide a watertight seal when closed. The preferred embodiment is an AN/PRC-90 survival radio battery adapter.