Particular embodiments include a non-dedicated, temporarily installed, airborne special mission payload mounting system comprising a pressurized door plug assembly installed in an opening on the side of an aircraft fuselage. A rotationally-actuated strut extends from a first end connected to an interior of the aircraft fuselage, through the pressurized door plug assembly, to a second end of the strut connected to one or more payloads. The rotational axis of the strut is exterior to the aircraft fuselage.