A telescoping actuator is described which provides a first and third segments operatively connected to a second segment. A locking system locks the first and third segment in rotation with respect to one another. Upon rotation of the second segment, the first and third segments are displaced relative to one another and the second segment. The first and third segments are operatively coupled to the second segment by corresponding sets of threads in some embodiments. The locking system may be interlocking tubes, or shafts displaced internal to the actuator. Rotational energy may be imparted to the second stage externally about its outer diameter or internally by a driveshaft operatively connected to a drive source.