Detect and defeat airborne

Counter-UAS & Air Defense

BlueSky is a small defense contractor dedicated to delivering products and solutions that close mission-critical capability gaps for the warfighter.

What mast system should I use for counter-UAS radar and RF sensors?

For most counter-UAS radar and RF sensor packages (20 to 65 lb, 5 to 10 m) the BlueSky 200 Lift Series - AL2 is the fielded choice; two people have it up in 10 to 15 minutes. Under 50 lb and man-carried, the Sidekick; above 100 lb or at 15 to 18 m, the 350 Lift Series.

45,000+
BlueSky Mast systems fielded
Since 2002
Fielding tactical ground-based masts
9
C-UAS integrations proven on BlueSky Mast
MIL-STD-810G
Tested portable mast systems
Integrated and fielded with
All tech partners →
Proven in the fieldMission kitsThe challengeMast systemsQuestionsAccessoriesGalleryHow it worksRequest a quote
Proven in the field

Fielded with the systems you already trust.

All use cases →
Mission kits

Proven pairings ready to field.

Each kit is a BlueSky Mast configured and documented with a partner's C-UAS system. Start from one and adjust.

All mission kits →
The challenge

Drones fly low. Sensors need height.

Small UAS hug terrain and hide in ground clutter. Every meter of elevation buys earlier warning, as long as the sensor gets up fast and holds still.

01

Line of sight

Terrain, buildings and tree lines block radar and RF sensors at ground level, shrinking the detection window.

Masts from 2 to 18 m put sensors above the clutter for 360° coverage.

02

Tempo

Drone threats move fast. A detection site that takes hours to build is already too late.

Two people raise a 200 Lift Series - AL2 to 10 m in 10 to 15 min; one person deploys a Sidekick in 2 to 5.

03

Stability and weight

Radar, RF and camera heads add weight, and any wobble at height becomes error in the track.

Secure Lock round arms and roll-tilt brackets hold sensors steady; the 350 Lift carries up to 175 lbs.

Mast systems for this mission

Pick by height and payload.

All mast systems →
FAQs

The questions buyers bring us.

Straight answers, with the spec behind each one.

Will it hold?

Heavy payloads, high wind.

Up to 175 lbs at 5 m, or 45 lbs at 18 m, on the 350 Lift. Its patented guyed tripod holds the payload in 90 mph wind.

350 Lift capabilities chart →
How fast?

Up in minutes, not hours.

One person sets up the Sidekick in 2 to 5 min. Two people raise the 200 Lift to 10 m in 10 to 15 min with a self-braking winch.

Deployment times by series →
Will it fit my sensor?

Integrated before you call.

Proven with leading C-UAS radars, RF detectors and effectors. Configuration details are ready to download, and the mounts are tool-less.

Download configuration details →
Can it travel?

No truck, trailer or tower.

Sectional masts pack into wheeled carry bags. The Sidekick is airline-checkable at 42 × 9 × 9 in.

Transport dimensions →
Is it tested?

Built for the field.

Portable mast systems are tested to MIL-STD-810G, and BlueSky has fielded more than 45,000 systems.

Support documents →
Who will I work with?

Engineers, not a call center.

Tell us the payload, height and site. We'll recommend the mast, mounts and kit, and build the configuration with you. (Placeholder: Web Content to confirm.)

Request a quote →
FAQs

Counter-UAS & air defense FAQs

What is BlueSky Mast?

BlueSky Mast builds military mast systems that put antennas, cameras, radars and other sensors up high, fast. There are two families: portable tripod-based masts (200 Standard Series - AL1, 200 Standard Series - AL2, 200 Lift Series - AL2, 200 Sidekick Series - AL2 and 350 Lift Series) and vehicle-mounted telescoping masts (FM Series and MecMast Series). BlueSky has fielded more than 45,000 systems.

What is the difference between the AL1, AL2 and 350 Lift masts?

AL1 Standard: the lightest push-up mast, with thin-wall 2 in. OD sections, for single antennas and lightning protection.

AL2 Standard and AL2 Lift: thick-wall 2 in. OD sections (twice the AL1 wall thickness), stiffer and rated for heavier payloads, from 20 to 100 lbs depending on height.

350 Lift: 3.5 in. OD sections for the heaviest payloads, from 45 lbs at 18 m up to 175 lbs at 5 m, rated for 90 mph wind.

What is the difference between a Standard and a Lift mast?

Standard Series masts are manual push-up systems: the mast sections are inserted by hand up through the tripod. Lift Series masts use a stronger tripod and a self-braking mechanical winch to raise the sections, for a more controlled, easier and safer deployment with heavier payloads.

How high can a BlueSky Mast go?

Tripod masts reach up to 10 m (AL1 and AL2 Standard), 15 m (200 Lift Series - AL2) and 18 m (350 Lift Series). The vehicle-mounted MecMast reaches up to 25 m. The Sidekick is a 2 m man-portable mast.

What is the maximum payload a BlueSky Mast can lift?

Payload depends on the mast model and height: the taller the mast, the lighter the allowed payload. On tripod masts the 350 Lift Series carries the most, up to 175 lbs at 5 m. The vehicle-mounted MecMast lifts up to 400 kg. See the load table on each mast system page for the exact rating at every height.

What wind speed are BlueSky Masts rated for?

200 Series (AL1 and AL2) masts are rated for 70 mph winds up to their maximum deployable payloads. 350 Lift Series masts are rated for 90 mph. See the wind load chart for each system height.

How it works

One system. Four layers.

Every BlueSky deployment is the same proven stack, configured for your payload.

01

Your payload

Radar, RF detection, EO/IR or effectors from the partners you already field. We've integrated with leading C-UAS systems, and the configuration details are ready to download.

See integrated kits →
02

Tool-less mounts and accessories

Patented, interchangeable top plates, side arms and adaptors. No tools, less training, and the same interfaces across the mast line, so the mounts your teams own carry over.

Find the right accessory →
03

The right mast for height and weight

Choose by height and payload: the man-portable 200 Sidekick, the winch-raised 200 Lift, or the heavy-payload 350 Lift.

Compare mast systems →
04

Team, transport and terrain

Tripod-based sectional masts pack down to a compact footprint. No vehicles, trailers or fixed structures needed. They're MIL-STD-810G tested and ship in wheeled carry bags.

Deployment questions →
Related portfolios

Same masts. Other missions.

All 9 portfolios →
Next step

Tell us the payload. We'll spec the mast.

Share the sensor, height and site. We'll come back with the mast system, mounts and a configuration you can field.

Mast systems
3 fit this mission
Mission kits
8 C-UAS kits
Use cases
9 fielded integrations
Accessories
Tool-less, cross-compatible