Hydraulic Mast 17m
Heavy-Duty Ground-Based Telescopic Mast for EO, Radar and Communications Payloads
The Hydraulic Mast 17m is a heavy-duty telescopic mast designed and supplied by System Controls for vehicle-borne, ground and rooftop installations supporting electro-optical payloads, radar surveillance systems and tactical communication antennas. Extending to 17 metres in approximately 10 minutes, it carries a head load of 100 kg and is rated for continuous operation in winds up to 130 KMPH, with survival at 175 KMPH and operation at altitudes up to 5,000 metres. Built to MIL-STD 810E and JSS 55555 standards from hard chrome plated ST 52 BK material, it is engineered for 24-hour sustained field deployment without major maintenance or adjustment.
What is the Hydraulic Mast 17m?
The Hydraulic Mast 17m is a six-cylinder, five-extension hydraulic telescopic mast designed to elevate heavy surveillance, radar and communication payloads to 17 metres from vehicle, ground or rooftop platforms. Built from hard chrome plated ST 52 BK material using the latest structural analysis software for wind load performance, the mast is designed and validated to MIL-STD 810E and JSS 55555 environmental standards including low-pressure high-altitude operation.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Mode of Operation | Hydraulic |
| Extended Height | 17 ± 0.2 m |
| Retracted Height | 3.75 ± 0.2 m |
| Number of Cylinders | 6 nos |
| Number of Telescopic Extensions | 5 nos |
| Maximum Permissible Extended Height When Vehicle is Moving | 8.5 ± 0.5 m |
| Maximum Speed of Extension/Retraction | 0.5 m/s |
| Time for Total Extension/Retraction (Normal Conditions) | 10 minutes |
| Material of Hydraulic Cylinders | ST 52 BK (hard chrome plated) |
| Hydraulic Fluid Used | Veedol Atransol-46 |
| Head Load Carrying Capacity | 100 kg (max 250 kg at rated pressure) |
| Operating Pressure | 10 bars |
| Maximum Weight of Mast When Extended (Including Fluid) | 2000 kg |
| Verticality Up to 60 kmph Wind Speed | within 1 milliradian |
| Verticality 60 to 160 kmph Wind Speed | within 5 milliradian |
| Accumulator Maximum Working Pressure | 330 bar |
| Accumulator Volume | 50 ltrs |
| Accumulator Dry Weight | 115 kgs |
| Accumulator Temperature Range | -20°C to +80°C |
| Accumulator Type | Diaphragm |
| Operational Temperature Range | -20°C to +80°C |
| Storage Temperature Range | -20°C to +100°C |
| Humidity | up to 95% RH at 40 |
| Maximum Altitude of Operation | 5000 m |
| Wind Operational Speed | up to 130 kmph |
| Wind Survival Speed | up to 175 kmph |
| Endurance | Capable of working 24 hrs per day at remote locations without major adjustments |
| Guy Wire Support | Provided |
Elevated Payload Reach for Tactical Advantage
The mast extends to 17 metres, placing electro-optical sensors, radar antennas and communication systems at the height needed for extended line-of-sight surveillance, area coverage and communications range. A partial operating height of 8.5 metres is also available while the vehicle is in motion, enabling payload elevation during transit without requiring a full stop and setup cycle.
Precision Verticality Under Wind Load
Structural verticality is maintained within 1 milli radian at wind speeds up to 60 KMPH and within 5 milli radians at 60 to 160 KMPH. This precision is critical for radar beam accuracy, EO sensor pointing stability and antenna alignment during sustained field operation. Guy wire support provides additional structural reinforcement for the most demanding wind load conditions.
24-Hour Sustained Field Endurance
The Hydraulic Mast 17m is designed to operate continuously for 24 hours per day at remote field locations without requiring major maintenance or adjustment. This sustained operational capability, combined with vehicle, ground and rooftop mounting options, makes it suitable for extended surveillance, forward operating base communications and tactical radar deployments where continuous uptime is non-negotiable.
High Altitude and Extreme Environment Operation
Rated for operation at altitudes up to 5,000 metres, across a temperature range of -20°C to +80°C and humidity up to 95% RH, the mast is validated for operation in the full range of extreme environments encountered in Indian defence deployments from high-altitude border surveillance to coastal and desert operations. Designed and validated to MIL-STD 810E and JSS 55555 standards.
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The mast extends to 17 metres (±0.2m) from a retracted height of 3.75 metres. It can also be operated at 8.5 metres while the vehicle is moving. Full extension or retraction takes approximately 10 minutes under normal conditions.
The mast carries a standard head load of 100 kg with a maximum capacity of 250 kg at rated pressure. It supports electro-optical payloads, radar surveillance systems and communication antennas across vehicle, ground and rooftop installations.
The mast is rated for continuous operation in winds up to 130 KMPH and designed to survive wind speeds up to 175 KMPH. Verticality is maintained within 1 milli radian at up to 60 KMPH and within 5 milli radians at 60 to 160 KMPH.
The mast is designed to meet MIL-STD 810E and JSS 55555 environmental standards for operation and storage, including low-pressure high-altitude operation conditions.
The mast supports vehicle-borne, ground and rooftop installations for both military and commercial applications. Guy wire support is available for additional structural stability in exposed or high wind environments.
The system uses Veedol Atransol-46 hydraulic fluid with a diaphragm-type accumulator rated at 330 Bar maximum working pressure, 50 litre volume and a temperature range of -20°C to +80°C.
The mast is capable of operating for 24 hours per day at remote field locations without requiring major maintenance or adjustment, making it suited to sustained surveillance, communications and radar deployments where continuous uptime is essential.
