AMS innovation: the new pneumatic telescopic mast that reduces environmental impact and maintenance
by Advanced Mechanical Solutions 18 Jun 00:14 PDT
AMS innovation: the new pneumatic telescopic mast © Advanced Mechanical Solutions
AMS introduces a major new development, adding an important element to its product range: an innovative low-pressure pneumatic telescopic mast for signal and anchor lights, developed specifically for yachts and superyachts that require lightweight, reliable, elegant, and low-maintenance solutions.
The new system is born from AMS's experience in developing high-performance telescopic masts for the marine sector and represents an important step forward towards increasingly sustainable, integrated, and simplified solutions from a systems-engineering standpoint. This new solution further expands the range of AMS telescopic systems designed for next-generation yachts.
The design and construction of this first prototype are based on the same architecture, design philosophy, and patented technologies as the hydraulic version. The new mast is operated through a low-pressure pneumatic system, eliminating the need for hydraulic oil, hydraulic power units, and the related piping. This architecture reduces system complexity and further simplifies installation and maintenance.
The system has been conceived to offer a clean and simplified aesthetic installation while maintaining the key features and advantages of AMS telescopic technology, including:
- flush-to-deck integration
- carbon-fiber telescopic stages
- watertight housing
- internal anti-rotation system
- patented locking/unlocking mechanism for the telescopic stages
- patented sealed electrical connection and automatic freshwater washing systems
The pneumatic actuation system has been specifically designed to operate at low pressure, improving safety, simplifying onboard integration, and reducing maintenance requirements. The mast is supplied as a complete integrated system and only requires connection to the vessel's compressed-air system.
The prototype has already been designed, engineered, and built by AMS, successfully completing an extensive testing and validation program, and is now ready for production. The product is therefore ready for the industrialization and commercialization phase.
A further important innovation concerns the materials used in its construction. During development, AMS tested innovative telescopic stages made with a hybrid composite laminate consisting of 70% natural flax fiber and the remaining 30% carbon fiber, offering a product that combines reduced environmental impact, lightness, and high structural performance. This solution also significantly reduces the use of traditional carbon fiber while maintaining high mechanical and structural characteristics.
This composite technology may also open up interesting prospects for future applications and additional products developed by AMS in the marine sector, including awning systems with carbon-fiber poles.
The mast, in both pneumatic and hydraulic versions, is available with extensions made entirely of carbon fiber or, alternatively, with the tested hybrid flax-fiber composite laminate.
This product is suitable for a variety of possible applications, including navigation and anchor lights, signal masts, antennas and sensors, and lightweight retractable systems with flush-to-deck integration. The system's modularity also allows for a high degree of customization in terms of geometry, finishes, and onboard integration.
The main features of the new telescopic mast are:
- Low-pressure pneumatic actuation
- Carbon-fiber telescopic stages or hybrid stages with 70% flax fiber
- Flush-to-deck integration
- Lightweight construction
- Reduced maintenance requirements
- No hydraulic oil
- Patented locking/unlocking system
- Patented freshwater washing system
- Fully customizable geometries and finishes
- Reduced system complexity
- High aesthetic and functional integration
- Possibility of using composite materials with reduced environmental impact
- Fully designed and manufactured by AMS in Italy
This innovative solution therefore represents a further evolution of AMS telescopic mast technology, combining advanced composite-material engineering, patented systems, and a simplified actuation architecture in a highly integrated product designed for next-generation yachts.
With this new solution, AMS confirms its commitment to developing advanced technologies for the high-end marine sector, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and functional integration. The goal is to offer shipyards and yacht owners increasingly reliable, lightweight, sustainable, and easy-to-integrate onboard solutions.