The RATT: One Mast, Four Mounts, Any Device — Deploy in Under 10 Minutes

What is The RATT?

The Rapid All-Terrain Tower (RATT) is a rapid deploy pneumatic telescopic mast system manufactured by Critical Tech Solutions in Knoxville, Tennessee. Built for law enforcement, military, public safety agencies, and commercial field operations, The RATT elevates cameras, antennas, lighting, and communication devices to heights of 10 to 50 feet in under 10 minutes. It deploys on a vehicle hitch receiver, tripod, wall mount, or solar surveillance trailer. One mast, any mount, any mission.

Who uses The RATT?

The RATT serves a wide range of operators beyond traditional public safety. Law enforcement agencies use it for special event surveillance, DUI checkpoint overwatch, and crime deterrence. Military and government teams deploy it for tactical reconnaissance and communications. Commercial enterprises and field teams use it for drone and UAS program support, agricultural operations, perimeter security, and infrastructure monitoring. Universities and research institutions have deployed it for field science programs including pest management, environmental monitoring, and unmanned systems research. Utilities, construction firms, and private security operations also rely on The RATT for rapid elevated access across temporary and remote locations. See real world examples in our deployment stories.

How many ways can The RATT be deployed?

The RATT deploys in four configurations. The vehicle hitch receiver connects to any Class III 2x2 inch hitch in under 2 minutes. The freestanding tripod mount deploys on any terrain without a vehicle. The wall mount fixes to a permanent structure, mobile command vehicle, or building rooftop. And the field swappable trailer mount serves as the primary mast on the FST-44 for long duration autonomous operations. One mast, four mounts, any mission.

How fast can one person deploy The RATT?

One operator can deploy The RATT from a vehicle hitch receiver in under 10 minutes from start to full elevation. The mast connects to the hitch receiver in under 2 minutes and pneumatically extends to 35 feet in less than 2 minutes. No tools, no crew, and no IT support required. The same single operator deployment applies to tripod and wall mount configurations.

What type of vehicle is required to connect The RATT?

Any vehicle equipped with a Class III 2x2 inch square hitch receiver can be used, including law enforcement SUVs, trucks, command vehicles, and standard government and commercial fleet vehicles. Law enforcement agencies and field teams also commonly deploy The RATT from purpose built law enforcement UTVs. For military applications, a plate mount can be bolted to the standard pintle hitch location on a Humvee. The RATT can also be adapted to suit receiver types used in international deployments.

What is the maximum height of The RATT?

The RATT ranges from 10 to 50 feet in height. Most standard law enforcement and commercial configurations reach 35 feet. Some versions include lockable collars that restrict extended height for specific applications such as LPR, facial recognition, drone corridor monitoring, and other precision end uses. Custom configurations beyond 50 feet are available on request. Contact CTS with your requirements.

What is the payload capacity of The RATT mast?

The standard RATT mast supports a recommended payload of 35 lbs, accommodating PTZ cameras, IP cameras, P25 antennas, signal boosters, bird deterrent lasers, agricultural sprayers, and other field devices. The HD RATT mast supports a recommended payload of 60 lbs for heavier multi sensor arrays and bonded cellular routers. Payload limits should always be verified against your specific device configuration before deployment.

How does The RATT extend and retract?

The RATT extends pneumatically using either a manual mast mounted hand pump or an optional 12V DC electric pump. Either pump fully extends The RATT within 2 to 3 minutes and retracts within 60 seconds. The o ring style telescopic mast design provides best in class rigidity across all payload configurations and terrain types.

Does The RATT require guy wires for support?

Yes. Guy wires are required for all deployments at 33 feet and above, and for any configuration that requires maximum stability regardless of height. This includes deployments with sensitive equipment payloads, long duration unattended operations, or installations in exposed or high wind environments. The specific guying requirements vary based on mast height, payload weight, and site conditions. CTS offers guying kits for all RATT configurations and recommends consulting with our team to spec the right setup for your deployment.

Does the payload move or sway when elevated?

Some movement can occur depending on wind speed, payload weight, and mast selection. The RATT uses an o ring style telescopic mast for best in class rigidity, which minimizes sway in typical deployment conditions. For precision applications or sensitive payloads, a guying kit reduces movement significantly. Sway typically does not affect the usability of live video or recorded footage for standard surveillance and monitoring applications.

How is The RATT powered and what is its operating duration?

The RATT operates on 12 volts DC and is compatible with multiple power sources: a standard vehicle cigarette lighter outlet, a 7-pin trailer plug (7-way RV blade connector), a portable power station or external battery pack, and 120V AC via an inverter. It is also available with a NATO plug for military applications. The RATT can operate with the engine running or with the ignition off depending on the vehicle power system. With the engine running, operating duration is unlimited. For unattended long duration operations without a vehicle, the CTS solar surveillance trailer provides autonomous power for weeks using LiFePO4 batteries and a solar array.

From ground level, how high is The RATT when fully retracted?

CTS masts are available from 16 to 50 feet (4.9 to 15.2 m) with retracted heights as short as 4.5 feet (1.4 m), making them compatible with standard vehicle transport and low clearance environments. For the most common configurations with masts up to 33 feet (10 m), The RATT with payload removed sits approximately 8 to 9.5 feet (2.4 to 2.9 m) from the ground when retracted. That is 6 to 7.5 feet of mast plus vehicle hitch height. This provides clearance from most roadway hazards except parking garages and low clearance entrances. For reference, US tractor trailers have a maximum height of 13 feet 6 inches (4.1 m). Custom masts with shorter retracted heights are available on request.

Can you drive the vehicle with The RATT elevated?

No. The pneumatic telescopic mast must be fully retracted before driving. However, a small camera or RF antenna can be operated in the lowered mast position while driving with the safety pin engaged. These lowered configurations provide situational awareness for vehicle convoys and can be used to test RF coverage, signal levels, and data speeds in real time.

Are there any limitations or warnings with The RATT?

The RATT must not be operated near power lines, during lightning, or under overhead obstructions. It is designed as a rapid deploy platform for light duty elevated applications with defined payload and environmental limits. Unlike UAV and drone alternatives, The RATT does not require FAA Part 107 waivers for nighttime operation or use near crowds, which is a significant operational advantage for public safety, commercial security, and field operations teams.

What cameras and devices work with The RATT?

The RATT is an open ecosystem platform compatible with any ONVIF compliant IP camera and a wide range of non-camera devices. Beyond surveillance cameras, The RATT has been deployed with RF antennas, P25 communications equipment, bird deterrent lasers, agricultural sprayers, drone corridor monitoring equipment, and lighting arrays. CTS configures devices before shipment so operators are not required to involve IT. Browse the full CTS IP camera lineup.

Can The RATT live stream or be accessed from the cloud?

Yes. CTS mobile surveillance towers are cloud native and accessible from any browser, iOS, or Android device. Every system ships with ACS Edge VMS included at no charge, 256 GB edge storage, and 12 months of cloud storage with 30 day rolling retention. No NVR, no camera server, and no on site computer required. All cameras are ONVIF compatible and integrate with over 400 VMS platforms.

Does The RATT integrate with our RTCC or VMS platform?

Yes. Every camera on The RATT is ONVIF compliant and accessible via public static IP address. The system integrates directly with Fusus, Motorola CommandCentral Aware, Genetec, Milestone, and any standards based RTCC or VMS platform. CTS configures connectivity before shipment so your team connects to your existing platform on day one with no IT department involvement required.

Is The RATT NDAA and TAA compliant?

NDAA and TAA compliance applies when The RATT is configured with IP based electronics such as cameras and cellular routers. When configured with compliant components, The RATT is eligible for federal grant funding, DHS programs, and cooperative purchasing contracts. CTS offers NDAA and TAA compliant camera and connectivity options and can provide full compliance documentation for your procurement process. Learn more about CTS government procurement options.

Is The RATT available on a government purchasing contract?

Yes. CTS holds a sole source contract for rapid deploy surveillance systems with government entities, and also holds TIPS Contract 230105, a cooperative purchasing vehicle that allows state, local, and federal agencies to purchase without a competitive bid process in all 50 states. Reference TIPS Contract 230105 on your purchase order to skip the bid process entirely and expedite procurement.

Does The RATT require a subscription or ongoing service contract?

No. The RATT is an agency owned and operator owned system with no mandatory subscription. Cloud storage is included for 12 months at purchase, and customers choose their own renewal terms after that. Cellular connectivity requires a SIM card with a public static IP from FirstNet, T Mobile, or Verizon. The operator controls the account and the data. There is no lock in to a CTS managed service and no monthly fee.

What is the difference between The RATT and a solar surveillance trailer?

The RATT is the mast system. It deploys on a vehicle hitch, tripod, wall mount, or trailer. A solar surveillance trailer is an autonomous platform for long duration unattended operations. The FST-44 trailer features a field swappable RATT mast that can be removed mid mission and redeployed on a vehicle hitch or tripod. Many agencies and enterprises operate both platforms. The RATT handles rapid event coverage and The trailer handles multi week autonomous surveillance of a fixed location. Not sure which is right for your mission? Take the 2 minute decision guide.

Which is better for field surveillance: a drone or a telescopic mast?

For sustained surveillance and monitoring, a telescopic mast offers significant operational advantages over a drone. There is no FAA Part 107 pilot certification required, no nighttime FAA waivers needed, unlimited operating duration, all weather capability, no crash risk near people or equipment, and substantially lower total cost of ownership. Drones excel at short duration aerial reconnaissance. Interestingly, The RATT is also used to support drone and UAS program operations, serving as elevated ground infrastructure for drone corridor monitoring, communications relay, and field team support at UAS test ranges and commercial delivery facilities. See how agencies and enterprises compare options in our deployment stories.

What are the advantages of elevated mobile surveillance and field monitoring?

Elevation from 20 to 50 feet provides unobstructed, longer range visibility over crowds, intersections, parking lots, agricultural fields, construction sites, and open terrain. Law enforcement agencies use elevated deployment for special event monitoring, DUI checkpoint overwatch, tactical investigations, and crime deterrence. Commercial operators use elevation for drone corridor observation, precision agriculture, perimeter security, infrastructure inspection, and field research programs. The elevated angle enables monitoring that ground level equipment cannot achieve.

What is a telescoping or telescopic mast?

A telescoping mast is an upright pole consisting of tubular sections that slide within each other to extend or retract. CTS telescopic masts are constructed from high strength aluminum for lightweight durability across all terrain and weather conditions. They are available in pneumatic and manual configurations and can carry cameras, antennas, lights, sprayers, lasers, and other devices depending on the rated payload capacity of the selected mast.

How long does it take to deliver The RATT?

Most RATT systems are manufactured to order in Knoxville, Tennessee with an estimated delivery time of 4 to 6 weeks depending on configuration and requirements. Agencies purchasing through TIPS Contract 230105 can often expedite the procurement process. Request a quote for current lead times on standard and custom configurations.

Not sure which configuration fits your mission?

Our team works with law enforcement, military, public safety agencies, and commercial field teams to configure the right system for your requirements.