Phoenix Pod rises to the fore with SiNAB

Our Bureau - : Feb 28, 2023 - : 3:24 am

The Australian firm SiNAB is displaying its Phoenix intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) pod at Avalon Airshow 2023, with the sensor attached to a Cessna test and evaluation aircraft. The Phoenix Pod is a self-contained unit incorporating a high-resolution EO/IR...

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The Australian firm SiNAB is displaying its Phoenix intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) pod at Avalon Airshow 2023, with the sensor attached to a Cessna test and evaluation aircraft.

The Phoenix Pod is a self-contained unit incorporating a high-resolution EO/IR sensor (comprising five electro-optic and infrared cameras), a laser pointer and designator, and air-to-ground communications system. The latter includes secure voice and data, Link 16, video downlink and mobile ad hoc network.

It is aimed at training scenarios, where the pod can be easily integrated onto an aircraft, and can then emulate long-range target and close air support capabilities. It is ideal for training joint terminal attack controllers (JTAC), for example.

Because it can be fitted on low-cost aircraft and is electrically isolated from the aircraft, this reduces the cost of training compared to having to use expensive military aircraft.
The technology for the Phoenix Pod was developed with assistance from the Defence Innovation Hub and the RAAF.

Indeed, Tony Landers, SiNAB’s CEO, acknowledged: ‘Support from the Defence Innovation Hub has allowed us to evolve the system from prototype through to operational test and evaluation. We now have a system that can be used in support of Australian and international JTAC training.’

The Phoenix Pod operates on its own batteries, and is controlled by a tablet human-machine interface that connects wirelessly.

Landers explained: ‘The Phoenix Pod has been flown on Learjets, PC-9s and our Cessna O-2A test and evaluation aircraft. Versatility is the strength of the pod – it can be fitted to any type of aircraft that has stores pylons fitted, which allows for a range of contract close air support solutions in support of military training, without using valuable hours from operational military aircraft.’

SiNAB said that the Phoenix Pod has other applications too, since the pod can turn the most basic of aircraft into an advanced ISR asset. For instance, it is suitable for any service where aerial surveillance is critical for decision-making, including natural disaster responses to bushfires or the like, or search and rescue. The sensor could provide instant data where and when it is needed.

The device has been exhibited internationally at events such as Eurosatory, but Avalon Airshow 2023 is the first time for visitors to ‘have a hands-on operational experience,’ said its maker.

The Phoenix Pod is an integral part of SiNAB’s own Phoenix JTAC Training Solution (PJTS), developed to help the Australian Defence Force to meet JTAC training obligations.

Avalon-2023 / Sinab /

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