FAQ on Telescopic Towers - Applications, Deployment & More

What is The RATT?
The Rapid All-Terrain Tower (RATT) is a rapid deployment portable telescopic tower system that is primarily used by agencies for special event video surveillance, to fill in camera blind spots and to eliminate RF dead spots. The vehicular version (Hitched-Mounted RATT) attaches to a vehicle's 2" hitch receiver in less than 2 minutes, can reach a maximum height of 35 feet, and carry payloads such as cameras, radio (RF) antennas, cellular boosters, and many more devices! There are also different mounts available to attach to a trailer or building wall, on a roof or deploy freestanding on a tripod.

What is a Telescoping or Telescopic Mast?
A telescoping or telescopic mast is an upright pole or tower that consists of tubular sections that slide within each other in order to be extended or retracted. Telescopic masts can be made from a variety of materials including steel, aluminum or carbon fiber depending on the application and your mission requirements.

How long does it take to deliver The RATT?
Most RATT mobile tower systems are manufactured to order and the estimated delivery time ranges from 2-12 weeks from the time of order depending on custom configuration & your mission requirements.

How many people does it take to deploy & operate The RATT?
The RATT weighs between 70-99 pounds (with masts under 33’) and can be deployed & operated by one person. There are many telescopic mast options available with varying payload capacities that may require custom mounting, so please contact us with your requirements.

What type of vehicle is required to connect The RATT?
Just about any vehicle that has a 2x2" square (Class III) hitch receiver can be used. The RATT can also be adapted to suit common receiver types used in other countries. For military applications, a plate mount can be bolted to the standard pintle hitch location on a Humvee, for example.

Does The RATT require guy wires for support?
No, not for normal operation (under 30 MPH for most towers) but guy wires can be added as an option. The RATT is supported by a steel vehicle mount that adjusts the tilt to achieve a vertical orientation prior to elevating. The guy wires are required when winds exceed 30 MPH or for long-range video surveillance.

Are there any limitations or warnings with The RATT?
As with anything elevated and metal, the user must not operate in close proximity to power lines, when lightning is a possibility or under anything overhead. The RATT was designed as a rapid-deployment portable tower for “light-duty” end uses that require elevation. As such, there are limitations with respect to devices, payloads & operating conditions.

Does the payload (i.e. camera) move or sway when elevated?
Yes, especially when windy. There can be some movement depending on wind speed, payload weight and the mast selected; however, it typically does not affect the usability of the mobile video, nor the recordings. The RATT utilizes an "o-ring" style telescopic mast over other types given that they provide the best-in-class rigidity.

How is The RATT powered and what is its duration?
The RATT uses 12 volts DC and a standard cigarette lighter outlet. It can also be purchased with a standard NATO plug for military applications. The RATT can operate with the engine running or with the ignition off depending upon the vehicle. When the engine is running, it has unlimited duration.

What is the difference between MVS & The RATT?
The Mobile Video Surveillance (MVS) System was rebranded to The Rapid All-Terrain Tower (RATT) in 2020. The RATT is the next-generation version of the MVS System that introduces more features, payload & end-use options, more structural stability, and enhanced usability on most terrains with improved wheels to conquer different terrain deployments.

What is the maximum height of The RATT?
50 feet. The RATT ranges in size from 10-50 feet and some versions even have “lockable collars” that restrict the extended height as needed for special applications such as LPR, facial recognition or other AI end uses. There are custom options available beyond 50’ that require a different mount so please contact us with your requirements.

How does The RATT extend & retract?
As with other high-strength aluminum pneumatic telescopic mast tower systems, The RATT can be extended via the standard hand pump or by using the optional 12v DC electric pump. Either pump will fully extend The RATT within 2-3 minutes and retract within 60 seconds.

What are advantages of elevated mobile video surveillance?
The 30-50 foot vantage point allows for unobstructed, longer range video surveillance. Some uses include special event surveillance, viewing upper levels of structures for tactical police use, recording fleeing vehicles in DUI roadblocks, public events, investigative video of crime scenes, accident scenes and all-terrain threat recognition and identification.

Can you drive the vehicle with The RATT elevated?
No, the mast must be fully retracted prior to driving; however, a PTZ camera or small RF (radio) antenna can be used in the lowered mast position while driving with the additional safety screw engaged. These end uses provide situational awareness (& recording for vehicle convoys) and can also test RF coverage, levels and data speeds.

From ground level, how high is The RATT when fully retracted?
The RATT, with the payload removed, is around 8-9.5 feet from the ground (6-7.5’ mast plus the height of the vehicle's hitch from ground level) for masts up to 33’. This provides ample clearance from all roadway hazards except parking garages and/or low-clearance entrances. For comparative purposes, tractor trailers have a maximum height of 13' 6" in the United States.

Which is better for mobile surveillance: a drone or a mast?
This greatly depends on your mission objectives. A telescoping mast has several advantages over a UAV/drone such as no drone pilot required, no FAA licensing, no specialized training, no nighttime FAA waivers required, no risk of crashing the device, unlimited duration, all weather, and a larger camera with better zoom capability. It is also much safer when operating near large crowds and is considered less intrusive than a UAV/drone.

Can The RATT live stream or be accessed from the cloud?
Yes, The RATT can be configured with many different camera options in custom field-deployable Pelican cases that include custom foam, LTE router with WiFi, 12v DC or 110v power, hand pump and/or electric pump. All cameras are both NDAA/TAA-compliant and ONVIF, meaning they are grant-eligible and can be integrated into many ONVIF VMS platforms.

How many ways can The RATT be deployed?
You can safely deploy The RATT in the following 4 scenarios: (1) Connect to a vehicle's Class III 2x2" hitch receiver, (2) fixed or wall-mounted to a permanent structure's wall or mobile command vehicle, (3) freestanding on a tripod and lastly (4), on a trailer.