AMS Develops Pneumatic Telescopic Mast for Superyacht Navigation Equipment

AMS Advanced Mechanical Solutions has developed a low-pressure pneumatic telescopic mast for navigation lights, signal equipment and sensors aboard yachts and superyachts. The prototype has completed the company's testing and validation programme, with the manufacturer describing it as ready to move towards industrial production and commercialisation.

The new design builds upon the company's hydraulic telescopic mast architecture but replaces the oil-powered actuation system with compressed air. AMS says this removes the requirement for a hydraulic power unit, hydraulic fluid and associated pipework within the installed mast arrangement.

A different approach to retractable equipment

Retractable masts help designers preserve exterior lines and reduce obstruction when equipment is not required in its operating position. Their safe function depends on consistent extension, locking and weather sealing, particularly after long periods exposed to saltwater.

AMS retains a patented locking-and-unlocking arrangement and automatic freshwater washing system intended to remove salt contamination. The manufacturer also specifies flush-deck integration and an internal anti-rotation mechanism to keep the telescopic stages aligned.

Compressed air instead of hydraulic oil

A pneumatic system can simplify certain installations, but it still requires dependable air supply, controls and appropriate measures to prevent uncontrolled movement. Designers must calculate expected forces and operating conditions rather than assuming compressed air is automatically equivalent to hydraulics.

The absence of hydraulic oil reduces one potential source of leakage, while maintenance shifts towards seals, pneumatic connections and the quality of supplied compressed air. Actual service intervals require evidence from extended operation rather than prototype validation alone.

Composite engineering options

The telescopic sections can be manufactured in carbon fibre or a hybrid laminate consisting of approximately 70% flax fibre and 30% carbon fibre. AMS says the hybrid option was tested to reduce the use of conventional carbon fibre while maintaining useful structural properties.

Material selection should account for stiffness, weather resistance, repeatable manufacturing and service life. A higher proportion of natural fibre does not establish an overall lower environmental footprint without a consistent lifecycle assessment and detailed material sourcing.

Installation on existing yachts

Refit engineers must identify deck space, compressed-air supply and access beneath the installation area. Sealing and water drainage are critical because a failure can allow moisture into technical or accommodation spaces.

Navigation lights must also comply with the vessel's applicable requirements regarding visibility and position. A retractable design cannot compromise that obligation, and users need defined procedures for a failure in the extended or retracted position.

What follows the prototype

The announcement identifies completion of prototype validation, not fleet-wide adoption or a measured reduction in maintenance costs. Commercial users should request specification drawings, installation guidance and test documentation for their exact application.

The pneumatic mast adds a distinct product development to AMS's existing portfolio of bespoke handling mechanisms and composites. Its relevance lies in translating complex marine actuation requirements into an alternative that builders and refit yards can evaluate for future projects.