Tech

The Ukrainian team 1ms has developed new models of portable electric telescopic masts called "Smart mast" to enhance communication for reconnaissance drones and FPV drones on the front lines. Two products, standing at 4 and 8 meters tall, were showcased at the Brave1 Defense Tech Valley 2025 exhibition.
These portable masts were designed based on military feedback, highlighting that deploying older communication systems and signal relay devices takes approximately 40 minutes, a challenging task in the midst of ongoing shelling.
The development of the new device took approximately 18 months. Thanks to the thoughtful design of the electric drive, telescopic guides, and complex supporting legs, the mast can be deployed in one to two minutes, depending on the model.
In designing the "Smart mast", the focus was on ensuring mobility in transport and deployment. One soldier can carry the mast on their shoulder and set up the communication equipment independently. The 4-meter mast weighs 13 kg, while the 6-meter version weighs 19 kg. The team is also finishing the development of a 12-meter mast, which will weigh 24 kg.
"These masts can be used for a variety of tasks. They can elevate signal relays for communication between the operator and the drone. They can also lift antennas for controlling FPV drones or interceptor drones. In civilian applications, the masts can be outfitted with lighting equipment or surveillance cameras," says the system developer, Volodymyr.
To ensure communication, the masts are equipped with a tilt-and-pan mechanism that directs the antenna towards the drone. In the future, this mechanism will be enhanced with automatic tracking to adjust the antenna's direction autonomously.
"We have already received a request to install similar systems on ground robotic complexes to deploy them on the frontline and conduct observation in hot zones. They can be mounted on pickups or other vehicles," emphasizes Volodymyr.
The production primarily utilizes Ukrainian components. Only a few bearings and metal products come from foreign sources. Most elements are machined, cut, or printed on their own equipment.
Currently, the masts have passed testing on the front lines. They were used by one of the UAV control centers and a unit in Kharkiv. However, based on the experience gained, they are being refined before the mass production launch planned for the second half of autumn.
Initially, the production capacity will be 20 8-meter masts per month, with plans to increase to 50 units monthly. The cost of one unit will be approximately 160,000 UAH.
The team applied for a Brave1 grant and received expert support for modernizing their product and its codification before the start of series production.

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