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Technical analysis of Rolatube carbon fiber deployable masts for antenna positioning in tactical operations. Advantages over traditional telescopic masts, deployment times, and use cases in the Andean and Amazonian theater.
The performance of a tactical communications system depends largely on the height at which the antenna is installed. For VHF/UHF radio, each additional meter of height can represent 2-5 km of additional range in open terrain. In the cordillera and Andean jungle, where orography creates permanent electromagnetic shadow zones, elevating the antenna is often the only solution to maintain communication.
The problem with conventional masts — telescopic aluminum or fiberglass — is the compromise between height, transportable weight, and deployment time. A 6-meter telescopic mast weighs 4-6 kg, requires two operators for assembly, and occupies significant volume in the patrol's load.
CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer) enables fabricating structures with a stiffness/weight ratio 5-7× superior to aluminum. Rolatube applies CFRP in variable-section tubes that, when curved at rest, accumulate elastic energy. Upon releasing this energy, the tube extends to its maximum length in seconds, without actuators or complex mechanisms.
The Tactical Mast (TM Series) deploys 4-6 meters weighing 680g-1.1kg, rolling into a 35cm cylinder that fits in an assault pack side pocket. Deployment time: 12 seconds by one operator. The Vehicle Integrated Mast (VIM Series) mounts on NATO rails and deploys up to 9 meters in under 30 seconds from inside the vehicle.
Rolatube masts are compatible with TrellisWare TW-950/vehicular, Rajant BreadCrumb/Cardinal, Cohu cameras, and GPS/GNSS survey antennas — covering the full tactical communications stack distributed by EMAR SYSTEMS in Peru.
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