Quantico Tactical gave us a sneak peek at the new Flexible Antenna Mast by RE Factor Tactical.
Over the years, communicators have rigged up various ways to communicate via SATCOM while on the move. Fortunately, antennas have gotten smaller, to the point where they can be mounted directly to a vest. That’s where things get tricky. You need to point the antenna in at least the general direction of the bird and its shape offers some challenges on how to keep it in place. There are also times where it’s preferable to have the antenna folded. We’ve all seen guys use PVC stuffed into PALS webbing or ziptied in place but that is a bit too rigid.
RE Factor Tactical developed a flexible mast which can be woven into PALS webbing on a vest and will accept most manpackable SATCOM antennas. It is flexible, but will retain the shape you select.
Specs:
Weight: 1.2 lbs – no antenna / 1.8 lbs – with antenna
Dimensions: 24” L x .5” W (standard)
US Patent 20120280869A1
Features:
– Custom length and connections available – Built-in 1/4-20 connector mount
– UV coated heat shrink for added protection – Assembled in the USA
MSRP: $109.99
Whip,dip,munching BBQ Chips…
I don’t know if it was an old wives tale, but I was always told to never put a sat antenna near my face or genitalia.
On a man-portable radio, like a PRC-117G or a PRC-148, there’s not so much of a concern because there’s only 20w or less being pushed into the antenna.
Now, the X-wing or “egg beater” style antennas you see on tactical vehicles are pushing 20w or higher and would pose more of a risk to your junk. Same goes for any other SATCOM antenna you’d find near a TOC or some other command element. It may not necessarily be an amplified radio that it’s connected to but better to keep a healthy distance.
Ditto on what TACPJustin said. The satcom that will really screw with you are the X band and higher systems, the VSAT systems above 50 watts.
Also, avoid RCIED jammers.
Oh…Thats gotta be safe.
RF….naaaahhhh….You will be fine.
Never stand next to the radioman, enuff said
I like the idea of having a flexible mount like that, but I’d be curious to see how this would perform with a ruck or a day pack and with a lower profile SAT antenna than the one pictured.
Good concept though.
It is available in any length you wish, and for hook up to almost all small SATCOM antennas. It should work extremely well with a small pack or ruck!
Anyone used one? Azimuth and take off angle stop being less inportant with the pictured antenna?