At a glance
Customer: QinetiQ
Industry: Defence and Research
Application: RF antenna testing
Solution: Bespoke Bumblebee non-conductive mast with integrated winch system
Key Benefits:
- Supports antennas up to 35kg
- Maintains RF signal integrity with non-conductive GFRP construction
- Safe Working Load (SWL) for improved operational safety
- Single-person deployment
- Designed to meet specification ED107
Why are non-conductive masts important for antenna testing?
When testing antennas and RF communication systems, the supporting mast must not interfere with radio frequency transmissions. Conductive materials can distort signals and affect test accuracy, making non-conductive mast systems essential for many defence, aerospace and research applications.
QinetiQ required a bespoke mast capable of lifting, rotating and securely supporting an antenna weighing up to 35kg at a height of 4.6 metres while maintaining signal integrity throughout testing.
To meet these requirements, SMC Group designed and manufactured a specialist non-conductive mast with an integrated winch system, providing a safe, stable and highly accurate solution.
The challenge
QinetiQ was looking for more than a standard telescopic mast. The project required a purpose-built solution that combined mechanical performance with RF compatibility.
The mast needed to:
- Be manufactured from a non-conductive material to eliminate interference with RF transmissions.
- Safely lift and support antennas weighing up to 35kg.
- Allow precise positioning during antenna testing.
- Be lightweight enough for efficient deployment.
- Meet demanding safety and operational requirements.
As a UK manufacturer specialising in bespoke communication infrastructure, SMC Group worked closely with QinetiQ from the earliest stages of the project to develop a solution tailored to these technical requirements.
Developing the right solution
The project followed a collaborative engineering approach, with both teams working together through several design iterations.
SMC Group provided technical drawings, engineering recommendations and prototypes to ensure every aspect of the design met the required performance and safety criteria.
Throughout development, feedback from QinetiQ informed continuous improvements. For example, oversized locking knobs were identified as affecting handling during operation. Following customer feedback, SMC engineers quickly revised the design to improve usability without compromising strength or stability.
Following delivery, a minor manufacturing refinement further enhanced product integrity, demonstrating SMC’s commitment to continuous improvement and long-term product performance.
The solution: The Bumblebee Mast
The finished solution became the SMC Bumblebee Mast – a lightweight, compact and non-conductive mast designed specifically for antenna testing and specialist RF applications.
Key features include:
- Non-conductive GFRP construction to preserve RF signal integrity.
- Integrated winch system for controlled lifting and lowering.
- Safe Working Load (SWL) for improved operational safety.
- Precise antenna positioning during testing.
- Lightweight construction for rapid single-person deployment.
- Designed to meet specification ED107.
The combination of stability, portability and precision provides a significant improvement over previous testing methods.
The outcome
The completed Bumblebee Mast delivered measurable improvements in safety, usability and operational performance.
Operators benefited from:
- More accurate antenna positioning.
- Improved stability throughout testing.
- Safer operation through a defined Safe Working Load.
- Faster deployment by a single operator.
- Reduced risk of RF interference during testing.
The project demonstrates how bespoke engineering can deliver better outcomes when standard products cannot fully meet application requirements.
Why QinetiQ selected SMC Group
QinetiQ selected SMC Group because of its proven experience designing specialist mast systems, UK-based manufacturing capability and proximity to key defence facilities, including Boscombe Down and Farnborough.
Throughout the project, SMC’s collaborative engineering approach enabled rapid design refinements, open technical communication and a solution tailored to the customer’s exact operational needs.
Although the order was placed through EMC Shielding, QinetiQ rated the overall service and delivery experience as “very good.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a non-conductive mast?
A non-conductive mast is manufactured from materials such as Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) that do not conduct electricity or interfere with radio frequency transmissions. These masts are commonly used for antenna testing, defence communications and specialist RF applications.
Why use GFRP for antenna testing?
GFRP provides excellent structural strength while remaining electrically non-conductive. This helps maintain RF signal integrity, making it an ideal material for antenna testing environments.
Can SMC Group design bespoke mast systems?
Yes. Alongside its standard range of telescopic masts and antenna systems, SMC Group designs and manufactures bespoke solutions for specialist defence, aerospace, security, communications and critical infrastructure applications.
What industries use bespoke non-conductive masts?
Non-conductive mast systems are commonly used in defence, aerospace, research organisations, RF laboratories, communications testing facilities and organisations developing advanced antenna technologies.
Looking for a bespoke mast solution?
Every application has unique operational, environmental and technical requirements. Whether you need a non-conductive mast for antenna testing, a bespoke lifting solution or specialist communication infrastructure, SMC Group can work with your team from concept through to manufacture. Learn more about SMC Custom here.
Contact SMC Group to discuss your project online by Requesting a Quote here or explore our range of communication solutions.
