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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes. The FM Series and MecMast Series are vehicle-mounted telescoping masts: FM mounts to a HMMWV bumper, trailer, receiver hitch, wall or QuadPod, and MecMast can stay extended while the vehicle moves. The tripod masts are self-supporting and independent of vehicles and structures, and can be carried by any vehicle, helicopter or aircraft to the site without a trailer.
Yes. Depending on model and height, a single BlueSky Mast can carry multiple devices at once, such as radios, cameras and radar, using tool-less top plates, pole mounts and side arm kits. That is a core purpose of the modular design.
BlueSky recommends guying every mast using a four-guy configuration at 80% of the total mast height. Mast systems 7 m and above include a primary guy kit. Mast systems 11 m and above include primary and secondary guy kits.
AL1 and AL2 systems pack into a single 54 x 14 x 14 in. wheeled carry bag, with an optional hard case upgrade. The Sidekick packs into a 42 x 9 x 9 in. airline-checkable case. 350 Lift Series systems pack into custom hard cases.
Yes. Interlocking mast sections and free-spinning guy rings let the deployed mast be rotated by hand 360 degrees at the tripod base for directional control, even when guyed. A manual tilt assembly adds +/- 22 degrees of tilt adjustment from the ground (see Top Plates & Adaptors).
Yes. BlueSky offers certified grounding kits and lightning protection accessories. Combined with the surface wire grounding kit, BlueSky masts have been tested and certified to provide lightning protection equal to or better than an 8 ft copper rod driven into the ground.
Yes. Optional telescoping tripod struts and urban base plate kits are available, and a non-penetrating Gravity Pad supports 5 m rooftop deployments.
AL1 and AL2 masts have a 2.0 in. outside diameter (OD). 350 Lift Series masts have a 3.5 in. OD.
Masts are black anodized aerospace-grade aluminum alloy, with stainless steel hardware and fasteners blackened to eliminate glare. Standard Series guy ropes are Spectra cord, a woven fiber 10 times stronger than common cable. Lift Series guy ropes have a parallel aramid core inside a protective carrier jacket.
The tripod masts are sectional, not telescoping or pneumatic: interlocking sections built for portability and rapid deployment. The FM Series (winch-driven) and MecMast Series (screw-driven) are telescoping vehicle masts. None are pneumatic.
BlueSky tripod masts are tested to MIL-STD-810G; the Sidekick is tested to MIL-STD-810H. Each mast system page lists the standard for that model. MecMast is compliant with MIL-STD-810G, 461F, 1275E, 1686C and 464C.
No. BlueSky Mast equipment is exempt from ITAR. Commodity code 7308200000; ECCN EAR99.
Buy directly from BlueSky, or through GSA Contract GS-07F-5916R or the TLS contract. Call 1-877-411-MAST (6278) or use the contact form to get answers before you buy.
Pricing depends on the model, height and accessories your mission needs. Call 1-877-411-MAST (6278) or use the contact form and we will confirm the right system and issue a no-obligation budgetary quote, valid for up to 30 days.
Every BlueSky Mast product carries a one-year manufacturer's warranty. Extended warranties are available: one additional year (two years total) for 5% of the sale, two additional years (three total) for 8%, or three additional years (four total) for 10%.
A single system ships in 2 to 3 business days; up to 20 systems in 3 to 5 business days; more than 20 systems in 5 to 7 business days. Custom accessories are excluded and typically deliver 10 to 20 business days after final drawing approval.
Shipping: single-system orders ship UPS Ground unless you instruct otherwise. We can use your UPS or FedEx account; FedEx Ground adds one day for scheduling.
Payment: credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) for U.S. shipments; Net 30 terms based on D&B credit; or prepay by wire or certified check for a 3% discount (excludes shipping and handling). Shipments outside the U.S. require prepayment by wire or certified check unless payment terms are established. Credit card payments do not qualify for the prepay discount.
Yes. If a payload does not fit a catalog mount, BlueSky's design team models a custom interface in 3D and puts it into production. Pricing is based on requirements and scope; most custom accessories deliver 10 to 20 business days after final drawing approval.
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