BID 860 was a small crypto unit that was used in British tanks. It operated from a 28v d.c. power source  and was one of the first cryptos to have BITE (Built In Test Equipment).

This device was not only used in Army applications, but was also used in a number of naval applications too.  The River Class Minesweepers operated by the Royal Naval Reserve and belonging to 10 MCM were fitted with BID 860 for both ship-shore and inter-ship RATT.
 

This is a Data Changeover Unit which is used with both the BID 860 and BID960 systems. (Photo by Richard P. )

 

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Contributors:

1) Mark Corder  <mark.corder(at)btinternet.com>
2) Walter Anderson  <Walter.Anderson(at)uk.fujitsu.com>]
 

Aug 26/202